File photo for reference only

 

In a bold move to redefine retirement traditions, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, in collaboration with civic and educational organisations, has launched a nationwide campaign encouraging alcohol-free retirement parties for state officials. This initiative aims to prioritise health, safety, and respect during these celebrations.

 

Aphisa Mahaman, manager of the Teachers' Network Against Harmful Activities, revealed that this campaign has garnered support from over 100 organisations, including schools and local administrative bodies.

 

"Retirement parties with alcohol often lead to quarrels, drunk-driving incidents, and other negative consequences," Ms Aphisa stated. "Such events not only pose risks to health and safety but tarnish public institutions' reputations when shared online. Alcohol-free gatherings promote a warm and respectful environment, truly honouring retiring officials."

 

Teera Watcharapranee, director of the StopDrink Network, mentioned that the Interior and Education ministries back the campaign. Circulars have been distributed, encouraging agencies to host alcohol-free celebrations. With approximately 10,000 officials retiring from these ministries this year, this marks a significant cultural shift. However, participation levels remain uncertain.

 

Despite progress, Mr Teera highlighted ongoing concerns about alcohol consumption. Last year, data from the National Statistical Office showed an increase in drinkers from 16 million in 2021 (28% of the population) to 20.9 million in 2024 (35.2%).

 

Among 15.9 million Thais aged 45–59, around 6.7 million (41.9%) are reported drinkers, with 2.8 million identified as regular consumers. "This age group faces increased long-term health risks due to prolonged alcohol use," Mr Teera warned.

 

Referring to research published in The Lancet Public Health by the World Health Organisation, Mr Teera emphasised that no level of alcohol consumption is safe, citing its psychotropic and addictive nature. He also referenced the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen linked to at least seven types of cancer, including oesophageal, liver, and breast cancer.

 

ThaiHealth and its partners believe that promoting alcohol-free retirement celebrations can help shift social norms, encouraging safer and more dignified practices across society. By renouncing alcohol in these gatherings, they hope to foster a new tradition that values health, respect, and safety.

 

As the campaign unfolds, the impact on the number of participants embracing this alcohol-free approach remains to be seen. Yet, the initiative is a crucial step toward transforming societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption.

 

With retirement parties symbolising the culmination of a career, this shift from indulgence to mindfulness could mark the beginning of more conscious celebrations across the country. By choosing to celebrate without alcohol, officials and their communities set a precedent for valuing wellbeing and respect in future festivities.

 

In embracing this change, Thailand is not only challenging traditional practices but also paving the way for healthier societal habits.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-01

 

1 minute ago, snoop1130 said:

In a bold move to redefine retirement traditions, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, in collaboration with civic and educational organisations, has launched a nationwide campaign encouraging alcohol-free retirement parties for state officials.

 

Seems sensible......then all pile down to the local for a knees up?

Thailand wants to control everybody and everything. Thailand should give people the freedom to do what they want, instead of bevoming more and more a communist country

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a bold move to redefine retirement traditions, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, in collaboration with civic and educational organisations, has launched a nationwide campaign encouraging alcohol-free retirement parties for state officials. This initiative aims to prioritise health, safety, and respect during these celebrations

As much fun as a tea party at an old folks home....

"Aphisa Mahaman, manager of the Teachers' Network Against Harmful Activities."

 

What Aphisa - no wonder she's a Ms.

 

Sounds a bit uptight - she could probably do with a stiff one, to help her relax.

 

"However, participation levels remain uncertain."

 

I very much doubt it...

So a half hour retirement party at the office followed by the real party in another location...

Whatever next. No sex at swingers parties

Like that will ever happen, lol

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

In a bold move to redefine retirement traditions, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, in collaboration with civic and educational organisations, has launched a nationwide campaign encouraging alcohol-free retirement parties for state officials. This initiative aims to prioritise health, safety, and respect during these celebrations.

 

Aphisa Mahaman, manager of the Teachers' Network Against Harmful Activities, revealed that this campaign has garnered support from over 100 organisations, including schools and local administrative bodies.

 

"Retirement parties with alcohol often lead to quarrels, drunk-driving incidents, and other negative consequences," Ms Aphisa stated. "Such events not only pose risks to health and safety but tarnish public institutions' reputations when shared online. Alcohol-free gatherings promote a warm and respectful environment, truly honouring retiring officials."

 

Teera Watcharapranee, director of the StopDrink Network, mentioned that the Interior and Education ministries back the campaign. Circulars have been distributed, encouraging agencies to host alcohol-free celebrations. With approximately 10,000 officials retiring from these ministries this year, this marks a significant cultural shift. However, participation levels remain uncertain.

 

Despite progress, Mr Teera highlighted ongoing concerns about alcohol consumption. Last year, data from the National Statistical Office showed an increase in drinkers from 16 million in 2021 (28% of the population) to 20.9 million in 2024 (35.2%).

 

Among 15.9 million Thais aged 45–59, around 6.7 million (41.9%) are reported drinkers, with 2.8 million identified as regular consumers. "This age group faces increased long-term health risks due to prolonged alcohol use," Mr Teera warned.

 

Referring to research published in The Lancet Public Health by the World Health Organisation, Mr Teera emphasised that no level of alcohol consumption is safe, citing its psychotropic and addictive nature. He also referenced the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen linked to at least seven types of cancer, including oesophageal, liver, and breast cancer.

 

ThaiHealth and its partners believe that promoting alcohol-free retirement celebrations can help shift social norms, encouraging safer and more dignified practices across society. By renouncing alcohol in these gatherings, they hope to foster a new tradition that values health, respect, and safety.

 

As the campaign unfolds, the impact on the number of participants embracing this alcohol-free approach remains to be seen. Yet, the initiative is a crucial step toward transforming societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption.

 

With retirement parties symbolising the culmination of a career, this shift from indulgence to mindfulness could mark the beginning of more conscious celebrations across the country. By choosing to celebrate without alcohol, officials and their communities set a precedent for valuing wellbeing and respect in future festivities.

 

In embracing this change, Thailand is not only challenging traditional practices but also paving the way for healthier societal habits.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-01

 

take keys away from drunks at retirement partys !!!!

What a dumb idea!   

 

To curb drink driving she thinks retirement parties is the place to start?    

Have an idea the bad actors are banned from the next party.

 

I guess you have to have good sense to use it.  Someone starts getting out of hand try to diplomatically ask them to relax, and if they have a problem with someone ask them to handle it outside of the event.

 My official retirement party in Saudi was in the Generals office with Cake and Coke and I was presented with an English copy of the Quran. Later in the evening we had the real retirement party in the company's compound.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the initiative is a crucial step toward transforming societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption

 

Or, to phrase it differently: "no, it isn't".

 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In embracing this change, Thailand is not only challenging traditional practices but also paving the way for healthier societal habits.

 

Except that Thailand has not actually embraced this proposal from a tiny number of self-righteous killjoys...

Elderly ... Can't be trusted with banking.

Can't be trusted with alcohol. 

2 hours ago, jippytum said:

Whatever next. No sex at swingers parties

Or stippers at funerals!

Everything, everywhere, from sport to parties to almost every aspect of social life, is now over-controlled. A kill-joy culture has taken over, and having fun will soon be made illegal.