In places where the Thai New Year Songkran celebrations take place, a complete ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol for the entire holiday period is being imposed in Thailand.
During the Thai New Year celebrations – Songkran festival to be held next month, Thailand is introducing strict rules banning alcohol in places of celebration and water sprinkling, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported, citing statements by officials.
A total ban on alcohol sales is being imposed at Songkran venues for the entire duration of the celebration, the Alcohol Control Committee said.
The official Songkran public holiday will run from 13 to 17 April. However, the “World Songkran Festival” is held from 1 to 21 April to boost tourism.
Authorities intend to enforce the ban on alcohol sales strictly. The main focus will be to ensure that minors are not given access to alcohol and that sales at other places are only made within the authorised hours.
Health Minister Cholnan Srikajeev, who chaired the committee meeting, said all the recommendations on alcohol control proposed by the Department of Disease Control and relevant authorities had been approved.
The proposed recommendations are part of the new phase of the National Alcohol Control Programme, which aims to reduce the number of road accident victims.
Most accidents are caused by drunken driving. The Health Minister has therefore suggested that provincial governors and local authorities designate alcohol-free zones for Songkran celebrants to maintain public safety and order.
Citing data from 11 to 17 April last year, the minister said road accidents resulted in 4,340 casualties, including 252 deaths, with 502 of the injured and dead reportedly under the age of 20. Most of the accidents occurred on secondary roads rather than main roads.
This year, prevention measures in local communities have been strengthened to prevent accidents involving drunk drivers. Roadside checkpoints have also been reinforced. Motorists and motorcyclists involved in accidents must undergo blood alcohol tests.
Motorists under the age of 20 caught driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol level of more than 20 milligrams will be investigated to identify the seller of the booze consumed. The seller will be prosecuted, officials said.
Those placed on probation for DUI offences and those arrested for a repeat offence will immediately be sent for rehabilitation in facilities run by the Health Department,” Dr Cholnan said.
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