Criticism Grows Over Alcohol Sales on Religious Holidays at Airports

[webfact]

 

The Stop-Drink Network Thailand voiced strong objections to a new regulation allowing alcohol sales at major international airports during Thai religious holidays. Mr. Teera Watcharapranee, the network's manager, criticised the move, spotlighting the five Major Buddhist Holidays affected.

 

He argued that this aligns with a broader, profit-driven government agenda, which also includes relaxing alcohol restrictions and extending bar hours until 4 AM.

 

Teera cited studies by Dr. Kamnuan Ungchusak, chair of the Working Group under the Alcohol Beverage Control Committee, who has said longer bar hours correlate with more accidents and fatalities.

 

Teera said such policies are meant to attract tourists but come at a high social cost. He pointed out that countries like Sweden enforce strict alcohol sales bans on Sundays for public health and safety.

 

The Stop-Drink Network also raised alarm bells about potential future expansions of this policy. The State Railway of Thailand has proposed allowing alcohol sales at train stations and on trains to boost domestic tourism.

 

Teera referenced a tragic 2014 incident where a railway officer, intoxicated, assaulted and killed a young girl on a Surat Thani to Bangkok train, which led to tighter alcohol controls in such settings.

 

Furthermore, Teera highlighted the broader public health implications. In Thailand, about 1.8 million people need treatment for alcohol-related issues, and over 20,000 deaths are attributed annually to alcohol-related accidents and illnesses.

 

He stressed that alcohol should not be treated like any other product due to its significant health and social consequences. 

 

As debate continues, the Stop-Drink Network and various advocacy groups are calling for a re-evaluation of the policy, prioritising societal well-being over financial gains.

 

Picture courtesy: Daily New

 

-- 2024-07-06

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[2baht]

Well helloooo Thailand! It's 2024 (2567)!

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

He argued that this aligns with a broader, profit-driven government agenda, which also includes relaxing alcohol restrictions and extending bar hours until 4 AM.

It's always about money... it's how the world works.

[ikke1959]

Never ever change anything Thailand. Open your eyes and look at the real world , There are the people who drink alcohol too there are religious holidays too and there are accidents and alcohol abuse too........and there are rules too....But Thailand want to control everybody and everything, There are no Buddhists rules in the religion that forbid alcohol , that is only the rule of Thailand.. If the Government keeps on going not to change anything tourists will stay away even more... Surely with dinosaurs as this example.... Enter the 21st century please

[dinsdale]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Furthermore, Teera highlighted the broader public health implications. In Thailand, about 1.8 million people need treatment for alcohol-related issues, and over 20,000 deaths are attributed annually to alcohol-related accidents and illnesses.

And selling alcohol at airports on Buddhist holidays won't change this one bit (won't change tourism numbers either) as wouldn't dropping the sales prohibition that's in place for 14 hrs. a day. 

[bamnutsak]

Is this proposed repeal meant to apply to King Power Duty-Free? Or just the 7/11 (and restaurants/airline lounges) at airports?

 

For Duty-Free, that's only available to departing international passengers, so they won't be consuming alcohol in Thailand on a holy day.

 

 

Now do "election-days".

[Tropicalevo]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The Stop-Drink Network Thailand voiced strong objections

So the anti alcohol brigade are upset.

They are not relevant in this discussion.

They want to stop all alcohol sales.

The holidays are religious holidays.

What do the religious folk say?

[Korat Kiwi]

39 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

Is this proposed repeal meant to apply to King Power Duty-Free? Or just the 7/11 (and restaurants/airline lounges) at airports?

 

For Duty-Free, that's only available to departing international passengers, so they won't be consuming alcohol in Thailand on a holy day.

 

 

Now do "election-days".

You can buy 'duty free' coming into Thailand.  They have stores just before the customs gates when you leave the 'secure' area. 

 

Although most items are cheaper downtown and the last time I went through there were no staff at any of the customs counters. 

[herfiehandbag]

1 minute ago, Tropicalevo said:

So the anti alcohol brigade are upset.

They are not relevant in this discussion.

They want to stop all alcohol sales.

The holidays are religious holidays.

What do the religious folk say?

They tried to contact them, but they were all down the airport on the lash!

[bamnutsak]

3 minutes ago, Korat Kiwi said:

You can buy 'duty free' coming into Thailand. 

 

Yes, you are correct. No clue why I forgot this as I but a liter every time in the baggage claim area.

 

I assume that is NOT possible on one of the five holy days NOW? But might be with this repeal.

 

 

There was some talk about closing all King Power Duty Free shops.

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/policy/40039344

 

 

 

6 minutes ago, Korat Kiwi said:

Although most items are cheaper downtow

 

 

For single malts in the 2,500 baht segment and up, the savings are pretty good. On average you pay the same or slightly less for 1 liter, as you do in town for 700/750. That is a decent savings.

 

 

[pedro01]

Teera needs to take his cup of tea, shove it where the sun dont shine and 'f' off while he's doing it.

 

I get people not drinking. I cant fathom trying to stop others drinking.

[khunjeff]

2 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

Is this proposed repeal meant to apply to King Power Duty-Free? Or just the 7/11 (and restaurants/airline lounges) at airports?

 

Duty free sells booze 24/7/365 already, and lounges also never stop pouring (though some have their own policies on when and what to serve). I assume this is about the 7-11 and other landside outlets, but I thought those were already exempt from selling restrictions - or perhaps their exemption doesn't include religious days? I have no idea. 

 

In any case, this guy's objections are pretty bizarre. People waiting to board airplanes aren't driving, and can drink once they're on board anyway. And the railroad alcohol restriction has never made sense - the poor girl was murdered by a homicidal railway employee, not a drunk passenger.

 

And by the way, a single hardcore anti-alcohol campaigner does not constitute "growing criticism".

[Sydebolle]

Please meet the new Minister of Stone Age Affairs, an offspring from the Neaderthal breed called Teera Watcharapranee. 

I consider Burma/Myanmar much more Buddhist than Thailand; you also find followers of Buddhism in Laos and elsewhere; the only country banning booze is ......... Thailand. It serves to ooze power by the semi-divine superior government and nothing else. Needless to say that drinks as usual are being served at remote border post between Thailand and Laos or Cambodia; on querying it the Thai officers unisono said that the booze came from their neighbours on the other side of the border. 

Excellent news for tourism as well. If luck has it, there are Buddhist holidays and some pre- and main election weekends ahead where the dirty farang cannot get a drink during their holidays. Explain that prehistoric law to them - although some of them will be opting to go elsewhere. 

[sidneybear]

2 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

So the anti alcohol brigade are upset.

They are not relevant in this discussion.

They want to stop all alcohol sales.

The holidays are religious holidays.

What do the religious folk say?

I don't think the religious folk say anything. Refraining from alcohol is just a sign of respect, in a country where religion is still an important part of life.

[digger70]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

Mr. Teera Watcharapranee

Grow up mister . this is 2024 Not the 1900s. 

It doesn't matter if people want to drink Alcohol or Buy Petrol or Drugs they do that if they are allowed or not

They can stock up  with alcohol as much as they want/need when they are allowed to buy it.

Nothing is stopping people from drinking.

[nakhonandy]

Criticism grows?

 

From one source that always objects to any change in alcohol sales. Even though it won't change the alcohol abuse statistics as most small Thai shops ignore the "no alcohol" hours anyhow.

[brianthainess]

51 minutes ago, nakhonandy said:

Criticism grows?

 

From one source that always objects to any change in alcohol sales. Even though it won't change the alcohol abuse statistics as most small Thai shops ignore the "no alcohol" hours anyhow.

Agree my local Ma & Pa shop will deliver, min order 3 large Leo, at 60 baht each.  

[sqwakvfr]

First time in Kuala Lumpur I was surprised that I could buy beer and other adult beverages 24 hours a day at the local market.  Also, the girl who rang my beer pruchase was wearing a hijab.  It was not a big deal to her. It seems like Malayasia has seen the light that LOS will never see. 

[jts-khorat]

9 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

There are no Buddhists rules in the religion that forbid alcohol , that is only the rule of Thailand..

 

Maybe you need to read up a little bit more about Theravada, it is right there in the Pañca-sila (Five Precepts). It does not get more central to Theravada than this, truly, so you are absolutely mistaken:

 

Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami.

I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to heedlessness.

 

It is a valid discussion however, if a government should restrict people from breaking the Five precepts out of their own volition.

[ikke1959]

47 minutes ago, jts-khorat said:

 

Maybe you need to read up a little bit more about Theravada, it is right there in the Pañca-sila (Five Precepts). It does not get more central to Theravada than this, truly, so you are absolutely mistaken:

 

Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami.

I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to heedlessness.

 

It is a valid discussion however, if a government should restrict people from breaking the Five precepts out of their own volition.

Who in Thailand is a real Buddhist??? praying for lottery numbers, gossip, smoking, sound pollutions, coyote dancings....If you are monk this rule counts, but even the monks are not all following the rules in Thailand, how many smoke, gamble and buy lottery??? Or are you from another planet? Asks monks abd they all will say Thailand is not real Buddhists

[sqwakvfr]

45 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Who in Thailand is a real Buddhist??? praying for lottery numbers, gossip, smoking, sound pollutions, coyote dancings....If you are monk this rule counts, but even the monks are not all following the rules in Thailand, how many smoke, gamble and buy lottery??? Or are you from another planet? Asks monks abd they all will say Thailand is not real Buddhists

You just summed it up.  Many of the temples (or Wats) are actually tourist destinations. I know some who actually go to a temples to pray for winning lottery numbers. A devoted Buddhist is a rare person. 

[JemJem]

2 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

First time in Kuala Lumpur I was surprised that I could buy beer and other adult beverages 24 hours a day at the local market.  Also, the girl who rang my beer pruchase was wearing a hijab.  It was not a big deal to her. It seems like Malayasia has seen the light that LOS will never see. 

 

I have also been to Malaysia. A few times to Penang. On my first visit, I was surprised to see that the 7-11s sold beer 24 hours a day. I mean, I knew that Malaysia was not as strict as, say, many other Muslim 

-majority countries on this issue, but I had thought that they probably would have some hour restrictions in alcoholic drink sales. 

 

By the way, is the sale of alcoholic drinks banned on all trains in Thailand now? And, if yes, what about taking your own beers to a train and drinking them there? By the way, I have quit drinking due to health reasons, but I am against most bans and restrictions. I fully agree with the age restrictions though. 

[jts-khorat]

8 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Who in Thailand is a real Buddhist??? praying for lottery numbers, gossip, smoking, sound pollutions, coyote dancings....If you are monk this rule counts, but even the monks are not all following the rules in Thailand, how many smoke, gamble and buy lottery??? Or are you from another planet? Asks monks abd they all will say Thailand is not real Buddhists

 

You said, that there is no Buddhist rule that forbids alcohol. But you were flat out wrong. Additionally you are wrong that the Pañca-sila only counts for monks, it is the layman rule for everybody.

 

Having been caught out showing your painful ignorance, you are then changing the subject.

 

With how many Thai monks have you specifically discussed this issue and how many of those have specifically told you that "Thailand is not real Buddhists"?

 

I do not want to call you a liar, but your statements seem quite far out there.

[SAFETY FIRST]

On 7/6/2024 at 3:09 AM, webfact said:

The Stop-Drink Network Thailand

Mr. Teera Watcharapranee, the network's manager,

This man looks like the guy I nearly tripped over coming out the 7eleven this morning, even dressed the same. 

 

He was sprawled out with an empty bottle of Lao Khao next to him.
 

Edited July 6 by SAFETY FIRST

[SAFETY FIRST]

On 7/6/2024 at 3:09 AM, webfact said:

The State Railway of Thailand has proposed allowing alcohol sales at train stations and on trains to boost domestic tourism.

This is good news. 

 

I'd take a journey up country, sit back, drinking a few beers, looking at the beautiful countryside with my gf, then off to the sleeper for some hanky panky. 

 

How cool 😎

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

On 7/6/2024 at 3:09 AM, webfact said:

2014 incident where a railway officer, intoxicated, assaulted and killed a young girl

This is more mental health related, not necessarily an alcohol issue. 

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

On 7/6/2024 at 3:09 AM, webfact said:

Criticism Grows Over Alcohol Sales on Religious Holidays at Airports 

 

criticised the move, spotlighting the five Major Buddhist Holidays affected

Many millions of non Buddhist foreigners commute through airports, alcohol should be allowed. 

 

I worked offshore Saudi Arabia, I'm not Muslim but was denied a beer after my month of hard work because they don't allow alcohol. 

All the lounges only had Budweiser 0% alcohol, disgusting. 

 

 

Edited July 6 by SAFETY FIRST

[ikke1959]

3 hours ago, jts-khorat said:

 

You said, that there is no Buddhist rule that forbids alcohol. But you were flat out wrong. Additionally you are wrong that the Pañca-sila only counts for monks, it is the layman rule for everybody.

 

Having been caught out showing your painful ignorance, you are then changing the subject.

 

With how many Thai monks have you specifically discussed this issue and how many of those have specifically told you that "Thailand is not real Buddhists"?

 

I do not want to call you a liar, but your statements seem quite far out there.

One of my best friends is an abbot and a  director of a temple school. Or maybe read what the Dalai Lama says about Thai Buddhism... I don't change subjects but I know very well what the rules are in Buddhism as I read a lot about it and when I was in school the director/ abbot and me talked a lot about it.. Maybe you should do the same.. start reading about real Buddhism.. In 10 years I know more than you think..  

[jts-khorat]

9 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

One of my best friends is an abbot and a  director of a temple school. Or maybe read what the Dalai Lama says about Thai Buddhism... I don't change subjects but I know very well what the rules are in Buddhism as I read a lot about it and when I was in school the director/ abbot and me talked a lot about it.. Maybe you should do the same.. start reading about real Buddhism.. In 10 years I know more than you think..  

Interesting. Your statements seemed quite superficial, but I seem to have misread you. I am sorry to have done so.

 

However. Which of the many things the Dalai Lama has said about Theravada are you referring to (and why should I care?). What I found he said, in 2012, is the following:
 

Quote

He said that what he thinks of as the Pali tradition, to which Thai Buddhism largely belongs, is the very foundation of all Buddhist traditions. The ethics and discipline described in the Vinaya are the foundation for training both in concentration (shamatha) and insight (vipassana).

Source: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2012/reaching-the-same-goal-from-different-paths-thai-buddhists-in-dialogue-with-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama

 

Note: "the Pali tradition" = Pañca-sila. You still were simply wrong about the formal rules about alcohol in Theravada. There are actually no other rules for laypeople than the Pañca-sila, so overlooking one in only five seems... to demonstrate that your knowledge about Theravada is smaller than you would want us to believe.

 

Keeping with this subject, my assumption is, that we are talking about laypeople or non-buddhists passing through airports, so they should be able to follow their own volition and be able to choose not to keep the Pañca-sila at this day? And you might notice that I said, that I think it a valid discussion, if a government should have any power to decide about this very individual moral choice.

 

You indicated this opinion to be that outlandish, as if I came from another planet. I find that a surprising contrarian discussion stance... in somebody who wants to discuss, instead of forcing his opinion on somebody else.

 

That a large number of Thai people themselves do follow Theravada as in the Pali canon only superficially is, in my eyes, rather a weak argument. I would wish we could ease into a serious discussion based on Theravada and how it defines Sila (morality), instead of... changing the subject. Somebody with an abbot as friend should have a jolly good time doing so.

 

Therefore, intentionally, I keep this question open, as I am interested in opinions why this should or should not be. Feel free to do so.

[kimamey]

On 7/6/2024 at 6:02 AM, hotchilli said:

It's always about money... it's how the world works.

From what I've seen that's how Buddhism often works as well.