Govt In Two Minds Over Alcohol Sales During Songkran

[george]

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

Govt in two minds over alcohol sales during Songkran

BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Ministry yesterday issued two options for alcohol consumption during the Songkran Festival from April 12 to 14.

Deputy public health minister Manit Nopamornbodi said the ministerial executives had come up with two ideas: ban all sale of alcohol during the entire period; or ban sale at stores but allow restaurants, pubs and hotels with an Excise Department permit to serve booze from 6pm to midnight.

The ministry will soon submit a report to the National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control Policy for a final say, he added.

Disease Control Department chief Somchai Chakrabhand said the ministry came up with these options after listening to all sides, including anti-alcohol groups, academics, manufacturers and business operators. The idea was to control the impact of drinking rather than prohibit it altogether, he said, though allowing booze to be sold at convenience stores or supermarkets will only encourage drunk driving, he added.

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai, who presided over the meeting, said the ministry wanted to save lives and reduce road accidents during the festival, and that it was not siding with manufacturers, traders or the anti-alcohol groups.

Stop Drink Network coordinator Khamron Chudecha said it was unacceptable for the Public Health Ministry to leave such loopholes in its guidelines, because the ministry's first duty is to protect the public, not favour businesses. He said the network would rally next week to call on Deputy PM Sanan Kachornprasart, chairman of the National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control Policy, to clarify the issue.

-- The Nation 2009-03-12

[dave_boo]

How does prohibiting people from purchasing liqour for consumption in their homes and forcing them to the bars DECREASE the amount of drunk driving?

[FarangCravings]

They really have no clue do they

[dumball]

Typical Thai predicament , do not know which 'Face' to show to whom , hands out for the highest bidders/palm greasers .

[h90]

They really have no clue do they

I thought after Thaksin, Samak and Somchai it can't get more stupid.....But at least the can hold the level.......

[DP25]

How does prohibiting people from purchasing liqour for consumption in their homes and forcing them to the bars DECREASE the amount of drunk driving?

It doesn't. It will INCREASE the amount of drunk driving. But banning bars and clubs from serving alcohol during songkran would produce an outroar from the owners. Much easier to somewhat pacify the anti alcohol crowd by banning it at 7-11 and big grocery stores.

[tso310]

Probably still debating whether the glass is half full or half empty.

[Wolfie]

Here is a novel idea, and one that may well shake the very foundations of rational thought...

Why not punish those that DRINK AND DRIVE instead of punish those who use public transport etc and want to have a few beers whilst enjoying the Songkran Festival???

Maybe that's why my career in Politics never got off the ground, i don't tow the party line

[Rtwo]

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

Govt in two minds over alcohol sales during Songkran

BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Ministry yesterday issued two options for alcohol consumption during the Songkran Festival from April 12 to 14.

Deputy public health minister Manit Nopamornbodi said the ministerial executives had come up with two ideas: ban all sale of alcohol during the entire period; or ban sale at stores but allow restaurants, pubs and hotels with an Excise Department permit to serve booze from 6pm to midnight.

The ministry will soon submit a report to the National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control Policy for a final say, he added.

Disease Control Department chief Somchai Chakrabhand said the ministry came up with these options after listening to all sides, including anti-alcohol groups, academics, manufacturers and business operators. The idea was to control the impact of drinking rather than prohibit it altogether, he said, though allowing booze to be sold at convenience stores or supermarkets will only encourage drunk driving, he added.

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai, who presided over the meeting, said the ministry wanted to save lives and reduce road accidents during the festival, and that it was not siding with manufacturers, traders or the anti-alcohol groups.

Stop Drink Network coordinator Khamron Chudecha said it was unacceptable for the Public Health Ministry to leave such loopholes in its guidelines, because the ministry's first duty is to protect the public, not favour businesses. He said the network would rally next week to call on Deputy PM Sanan Kachornprasart, chairman of the National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control Policy, to clarify the issue.

-- The Nation 2009-03-12

So the plan is to keep talking until Songkran is over. That way nobody looses anything, except the few thousand who happen to die or get injured but they don't count for much.

[venturalaw]

Here is a novel idea, and one that may well shake the very foundations of rational thought...

Why not punish those that DRINK AND DRIVE instead of punish those who use public transport etc and want to have a few beers whilst enjoying the Songkran Festival???

Maybe that's why my career in Politics never got off the ground, i don't tow the party line

Enforcing laws has always been an issue in Thailand. Another thought is that they could consider a prohibition against serving someone at a bar who is obviously intoxicated.

[t.s]

Here is a novel idea, and one that may well shake the very foundations of rational thought...

Why not punish those that DRINK AND DRIVE instead of punish those who use public transport etc and want to have a few beers whilst enjoying the Songkran Festival???

Maybe that's why my career in Politics never got off the ground, i don't tow the party line

Enforcing laws has always been an issue in Thailand. Another thought is that they could consider a prohibition against serving someone at a bar who is obviously intoxicated.

Enforcement of this is simple - Take the police patrolling the raods for drunk drivers and send them into the towns to make sure the stores arent selling alcohol. problem solved.

[catmac]

What a dour, miserable dump this Government is going to make Thailand!

No country on Earth would contemplate such a stupid move. The answer is as simple as stated by many - enforce the present drink/driving laws and strengthen them where needed. That's how civilised places have dramatically reduced the accident rate over festive seasons. Since enforcing this law would seem to be beyond the ability of the police, how on Earth do they intend to enforce any new prohibition? Answer? They won't, it'll just be another glorious chance to collect tea-money for turning a blind eye!

How sad that the health fascists are rearing their ugly heads in LOS.

[Thailand]

I concur- Get the police to enforce existing laws.

Those that want to get blasted will get their alcohol fix no matter what archaic or daft rules are put in place. Perhaps inciting- but could they not buy their beverage before any "new" rules come in to force.

Me, I don't drink alcohol (spill most of it) but more than likely to get wet on the outside in the coming month.

[Junglejumbo]

Of course alcohol will be sold. They're just waiting for a reward from the two big drinks makers. Why not, two of the top three richest Thai people and amongst the richest in the world, made it it from drinks.

How could you seriously police a no drink campaign? I think they're trying to say no drinking while driving, etc. There's not enough police to stand at all the mom and pop stores to stop them selling. There's also ban on drinking during Songkran just buying it.

[Sisaketmike]

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

Govt in two minds over alcohol sales during Songkran

BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Ministry yesterday issued two options for alcohol consumption during the Songkran Festival from April 12 to 14.

Deputy public health minister Manit Nopamornbodi said the ministerial executives had come up with two ideas: ban all sale of alcohol during the entire period; or ban sale at stores but allow restaurants, pubs and hotels with an Excise Department permit to serve booze from 6pm to midnight.

The ministry will soon submit a report to the National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control Policy for a final say, he added.

Disease Control Department chief Somchai Chakrabhand said the ministry came up with these options after listening to all sides, including anti-alcohol groups, academics, manufacturers and business operators. The idea was to control the impact of drinking rather than prohibit it altogether, he said, though allowing booze to be sold at convenience stores or supermarkets will only encourage drunk driving, he added.

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai, who presided over the meeting, said the ministry wanted to save lives and reduce road accidents during the festival, and that it was not siding with manufacturers, traders or the anti-alcohol groups.

Stop Drink Network coordinator Khamron Chudecha said it was unacceptable for the Public Health Ministry to leave such loopholes in its guidelines, because the ministry's first duty is to protect the public, not favour businesses. He said the network would rally next week to call on Deputy PM Sanan Kachornprasart, chairman of the National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control Policy, to clarify the issue.

-- The Nation 2009-03-12

Sawasdee maak maak hicks. Is it possible that the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing? Or may be the right hasn't got any idea what the rest is doing? Let's drink some lao kao siesip and relax. What's acceptable ? A lot of drunk dangerous drivers, or dead innocent victims? Som Nam Na.......................

Edited March 14, 2009 by Sisaketmike

[hammered]

Its going to ensure a pocket full of dosh for the municipal police and any real ones who arent directing traffic and stopping knuckles in the hot spots.

As usual most of the death will be motorcycle related and will be away form the Songkhran party zones.

The usually utterly dead Bangkok will probably be an even more miserable place than it usually is at Songkhran excepting the few obvious locales.

Best if the cabinet dont get to make a decision. The wya this has been led by a few career civil servants and one deputy minister is gettign reminiscent of one of Purachai's crusades.

Wonder how it will affect government tax revenue and business income, both of which nobody wants to be playing with right now.

[Oberkommando]

Here is a novel idea, and one that may well shake the very foundations of rational thought...

Why not punish those that DRINK AND DRIVE instead of punish those who use public transport etc and want to have a few beers whilst enjoying the Songkran Festival???

Good question but a very simple answer, and that is that the Police force tasked with carrying out such an idea are too incompetent, corrupt and inept to be trusted.

But you are of course right. The only way to effect a reduction in drink driving and injuries and fatalities thereof is to properly enforce a no tolerance policy.

Roadblocks and breathalyser spot checks are only scratching the surface. Offenders need to be punished severely to send a message that this behaviour is unacceptable.

Nothing will change, the authorities don't have the vision or integrity to eradicate these crimes which alone kill tens of thousands of Thais every year.

So instead of dealing with the problem, they will spoil everyone's fun instead.

[Oberkommando]

Its going to ensure a pocket full of dosh for the municipal police and any real ones who arent directing traffic and stopping knuckles in the hot spots.

As usual most of the death will be motorcycle related and will be away form the Songkhran party zones.

The usually utterly dead Bangkok will probably be an even more miserable place than it usually is at Songkhran excepting the few obvious locales.

Best if the cabinet dont get to make a decision. The wya this has been led by a few career civil servants and one deputy minister is gettign reminiscent of one of Purachai's crusades.

Wonder how it will affect government tax revenue and business income, both of which nobody wants to be playing with right now.

What did you expect from the ultra-conservative Democrat Party?

[cclub75]

What did you expect from the ultra-conservative Democrat Party?

Indeed. Do you remember the circus 3 months ago ? "Change with Abhisit ? Yes we can".

He was so cute, so young, so new, so "Oxford educated"...

Disillusion.

Abhisit is just a puppet. The military and the conservators, who have the real power, are behind.

Laughing.

[richard10365]

I think it's a pretty clever way for the police to make more money. Introduce a new law that is impossible for most people to abide by. People will break the law and be fined. In addition to the laws that they normally break during Songran, these new laws will bring increased revenue to the police. Thus, at the end of the holiday period, they will have more money than they did last year. It's quite clever.

[Briggsy]

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

Govt in two minds over alcohol sales during Songkran

Stop Drink Network coordinator Khamron Chudecha said it was unacceptable for the Public Health Ministry to leave such loopholes in its guidelines, because the ministry's first duty is to protect the public, not favour businesses. He said the network would rally next week to call on Deputy PM Sanan Kachornprasart, chairman of the National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control Policy, to clarify the issue.

-- The Nation 2009-03-12

That well-known figure of sobriety.

[grantbkk]

I've just made my reservation for Phnom Penh so I can spend this holiday season in a place where I have options for my discretionary cash.

[BAZZAT]

They really have no clue do they

Man ole man These governments never seem to stop amazing me! if BRAINS were taxable none of them would qualify for a Rebate!!!! this probably is one of the biggest revenue earners for shops to make money do you honestly think for one moment these shops will stop selling booze, last year we saw young drivers openly drinking and driving police were not bovered & hard pressed to get up off there chairs under there canopy because basically they are not that really interested unless there is a chance of a brown envelope in it for themselves. I am not saying all police are like this there are a few dedicate ones out there.

[peecee]

The death toll always goes up over fesivals, even with police leave cancelled. Long term re-education of driving standards & a strict driving test might help, banning booze will not.

Edited March 15, 2009 by peecee

[bkkjames]

Public health ministry okays alcohol ban options

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai Wednesday approved the two options with regards to alcohol sales during Songkran, from April 12 to 14, before asking the National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control to make a final decision.

The two options, initiated by Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodi, are banning sale of alcohol everywhere during the entire period or banning sale of alcohol at stores but allowing restaurants, pubs and hotels with an Excise Department permit to serve booze from 6pm to midnight.

The Nation

[DaleBlue]

I have been to many countries where alcohol is not allowed. Drunken driving case is minimal (not zero).

Thailand is a Buddhist country. No alcohol should be allowed country wide. Not just during Songkhran. Other than drunk driving, it will also reduce other crime, such as rape and robbery.

[PhilHarries]

I have been to many countries where alcohol is not allowed. Drunken driving case is minimal (not zero).

Thailand is a Buddhist country. No alcohol should be allowed country wide. Not just during Songkhran. Other than drunk driving, it will also reduce other crime, such as rape and robbery.

Great idea, let's introduce Sharia law as well then you can really have a ball.

[webfact]

Public health ministry okays alcohol ban options

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai Wednesday approved the two options with regards to alcohol sales during Songkran, from April 12 to 14, before asking the National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control to make a final decision.

The two options, initiated by Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodi, are banning sale of alcohol everywhere during the entire period or banning sale of alcohol at stores but allowing restaurants, pubs and hotels with an Excise Department permit to serve booze from 6pm to midnight.

The Nation

I smell 'civil war'... Songkran without booze, during the most awaited Sanuk of the year... ?

Everybody who has spent some time in this country knows this "law" will change nothing. IMHO drinking will increase. Thais start already to stock pile booze!

Proof of that can be seen daily in my Soi. I asked my bikers about that brilliant idea to ban booze. Their answer: "my pen rai - we have enough to drink! nothing to worry about"

Edited March 20, 2009 by webfact

[Jai Dee]

Tourism sector reports on the decline of tourists during Songkran festival

President of the Association of Domestic Travel (ADT) Maiyarat Pheerayakoses revealed that the number of bookings for Songkran Festival declined by 40 percent so far due mainly to the prevailing economic crisis.

Miss Maiyarat reported that the number of tourists in the past three months continued to decrease due to tourists’ less purchasing power amidst the economic crisis. With the decreasing number of bookings in many hotels in major cities, she speculated that people would be more careful on their expenses, adding that each of them was anticipated to lower the spending by 50 percent.

At the same time, Chairman of the Tourism Association of Thailand (ATTA) Apichart Sung-aree said the number of foreign tourists up to now, had declined by 40 percent, and even 30 trips of Chinese cooperate group for the incoming Songkran holidays were likely to disappear. Around 60 trips of cooperate-group tourists from China traveled to Thailand during the holidays last year.

Mr. Apichart said the ATTA would do more to stimulate Thailand’s tourism in Middle Eastern markets in the hope to draw new tourist groups during the holidays.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 23 March 2009

[hammered]

I cant see this alcohol ban actually happening on top of everything else declining. One reason is tax. Lots of alcohol sales equals lots of tax revenue. Maybe it will end up being defferdd until next year or for further examiniation.