Govt In Two Minds Over Alcohol Sales During Songkran

[DaleBlue]

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

Reason for the decline? - No ALCOHOL in Thailand for Songkran.

[Jai Dee]

Minister of Tourism and Sports supports alcohol distribution ban after Songkran

The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Chumpol Silpa-acha, expressed his support to the Public Health Ministry’s ban on alcohol distribution in many festivals while calling for the effectiveness of the ban after the Songkran Festival in order to boost Thai tourism, embattled by the closure of two major airports in Bangkok at the end of last year.

Despite his full support on the ban, Mr. Chumpol said that the distribution of alcohol during the Songkran Festival this year should not be banned for fear that it would create negative sentiment to Thai tourism. After the airport closure last year, he reported that the number of tourists declined by 20 percent, but now the number increased by 10 percent.

Mr. Chumpol viewed that without any incident to affect the tourism during the incoming Songkran Festival, more tourists would travel to the kingdom. He said his ministry would provide full co-operation to promote the government’s policies to get Thai tourism back on track. Around 16 million tourists travel to Thailand each year and the nation earns around five trillion baht from tourism in a year.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 24 March 2009

[Jai Dee]

Ancient Prediction according to the Songkran Angel 2009

Cultural Academic of Office of the National Culture Commission (ONCC) Amornrat Thepkampanart revealed the prediction of Songkran Angel of 2009, which forecast the country would survive the crisis.

Miss Amornrat said about the ancient prediction of Songkran Goddess in 2009 that this year the Songkran Goddess was named Khorakha Thewi , with the pip-Indian Cork Tree- flowers on her ear, her dress decorated with jewelry, oil was her food. She held a knife in her right hand and a stick in her left hand. She sat upon the back of a tiger, her carrier, with her eyes closed.

Miss Amornrat said that according to the ancient prediction, it predicted that high-ranking government officials and their wives would be powerful, fruits would be expensive, philosophers would be happy, the king would be prosperous, besides the prediction also warned people not to be overindulged in luxuries, which was suitable with the economic situation.

It said that numerous people would be jobless and got illness, but luckily that the Songkran Goddess had a stick as her weapon, therefore it predicted that it would help the country to survive any crisis, however these were only the ancient prediction.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 24 March 2009

[Thai at Heart]

Minister of Tourism and Sports supports alcohol distribution ban after Songkran

The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Chumpol Silpa-acha, expressed his support to the Public Health Ministry’s ban on alcohol distribution in many festivals while calling for the effectiveness of the ban after the Songkran Festival in order to boost Thai tourism, embattled by the closure of two major airports in Bangkok at the end of last year.

Despite his full support on the ban, Mr. Chumpol said that the distribution of alcohol during the Songkran Festival this year should not be banned for fear that it would create negative sentiment to Thai tourism. After the airport closure last year, he reported that the number of tourists declined by 20 percent, but now the number increased by 10 percent.

Mr. Chumpol viewed that without any incident to affect the tourism during the incoming Songkran Festival, more tourists would travel to the kingdom. He said his ministry would provide full co-operation to promote the government’s policies to get Thai tourism back on track. Around 16 million tourists travel to Thailand each year and the nation earns around five trillion baht from tourism in a year.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 24 March 2009

Is this possibly the most confused statement ever made by a politician? or should we shoot the messenger.

Does he support or not support the ban? Who needs friends (tourism minister doesn't support ban) like this when you have enemies (tourism minister supports ban) like this

Edited March 24, 2009 by Thai at Heart

[Jai Dee]

Govt edges closer to Songkran booze ban

The government is considering seeking a Council of State ruling on whether it can ban alcohol sales during next month's Songkran festival. If the government's legal arm fails to come up with an answer before the festival, a ban may be put into place on April 13, the Thai New Year's Day, Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart said. A final decision rests with the cabinet.

The government's alcohol policy committee headed by Maj-Gen Sanan met yesterday and discussed a proposed ban during the festival from April 12 to 14 in a bid to curb the horrendous annual road fatalities. Under the Alcoholic Drink Control Act of 2008, the government can ban alcohol sales on specific days. Maj-Gen Sanan yesterday said the committee agreed in principle with the ban. If the council gives the green light, the PM's Office could issue the ban immediately, he said.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[whatawonderfulday]

We have all heard of the "Darwin Awards" but is there one for the country with highest level of demonstrable governmental incompetence I wonder ?

Edited March 24, 2009 by whatawonderfulday

[george]

Sanan under fire over drinks stance

BANGKOK: -- The Alcohol Watch Network and allies are demanding that Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart be removed from the National Committee on Alcohol Consumption Control because of his reluctance to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages during the upcoming Songkran Festival.

Sanan currently chairs the panel.

"It's clear that under his leadership, the committee is more interฌested in protecting business interests instead of people's lives," Khamron Chudecha, coordinator for the Stop Drink Network, said yesterday.

He was speaking after Sanan said he would seek advice from the Office of the Council of State as to whether the government had the power to ban alcohol sales.

"We find there are two contradicting laws. So, I think we should consult the council first," Sanan said. He is expected to tell the Cabinet about his decision today.

He added that if the council ruled that the government was within its rights to impose the ban, then he would prohibit the sale of alcohol from April 13.

"We have been informed that April 13 is the most important day during the festival and is the day with the highest number of road casualties," Sanan said.

Hundreds of thousands of Thais hit the roads during the Songkran, either to go partying or to head for their home provinces. Though the festival offers much fun and frolic, it is also known for its high road tolls every year.

In a bid to reduce the number of deaths, Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodi has proposed that the sale of alcohol be banned everywhere between April 12 and April 14. He also proposed that hotels, pubs and restaurants be exempted from the ban from 6pm to midnight during the period.

Activists against the alcohol consumption yesterday showed strong opposition to Sanan's move to question the ban.

Songkran Parkchokdee, an activist, believes that Sanan is just trying to buy time and delay the ban.

"I think the government will not be able issue a prohibition on the sale of alcohol during this year's Songkran festival," Songkran said.

When asked about the activists' reaction, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva refused to comment saying he was waiting for more details from the National Committee on Alcohol Consumption Control.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul, who is also a member of the committee, explained that banning alcohol during the festival period would adversely affect the government's measures to boost the economy, because people won't be spending as much money. Instead, he said, stricter penalties should be levied against drunk drivers.

-- The Nation 2009-03-24

[Oberkommando]

You've got the ultra conservatives running things now.

Sanuk? Not on your nelly.

[Thai at Heart]

Considering the headline is that the government is in "two minds" about this issue, the ensuing mess they have got themselves into would suggest that even if they had 5 or 6 minds, none of them would be capable of getting the right result.

I hope they develop schizophrenia until they find a mind that can understand the issue.

They have developed "passtheballitis" over this issue so beautifully simply because they have been missing the point all along.

The issue is drinking and DRIVING, not drinking per se. But why tackle the real issue when imposing the will of the central government on the subservient masses is so much more gratifying to one's ego.

[george]

Council of State's opinion sought on plan to ban alcohol sale

BANGKOK: -- Despite growing pressure from activists, the Cabinet Tuesday decided to first consult the Council of State as to whether a ban on alcohol sale can be imposed on April 13.

April 13 is a national holiday during the Songkran Festival, which usually runs till April 15.

Because hundred of thousands people hit the road during the Songkran holidays, the road casualties are high during the period.

Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodi Tuesday proposed to the Cabinet that the alcohol sale be banned up to 5.59pm on April 13.

-- The Nation 2009-03-24

[Jai Dee]

PM: Alcohol sale restriction to be finalized before Songkran

The Prime Minister has affirmed that the consideration on alcohol sale restriction will be finalized before Songkran Festival.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stated that yesterday's cabinet meeting has discussed with many relevant units over the alcohol sale restriction measure to be imposed during the upcoming Songkran Festival while a reconvention of the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee will take place later on.

He informed that the Council of State has been assigned with completing its review on the legal provisions under revolutionary council announcements and bills pertaining to alcoholic beverage control within this week.

Secretary-General of the Office of the Council of State Phorntip Jala asserted that she would expedite the consideration process and would propose the result to the cabinet immediately upon its conclusion.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. Sanan Kajornprasart noted that most of the cabinet members agree with the fact that alcohol is not necessarily the cause of traffic accidents while stressing to place his focus on keeping stringent security control on the road.

He said that the next meeting of the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee would be organized once the result from the Council of State is received.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 25 March 2009

[george]

Cabinet asks council of state on alcohol sales ban on April 13

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet is now seeking the Council of State's legal interpretation as to whether it can ban alcohol sales for most of the day on April 13.

Despite growing pressure from activists, the Cabinet yesterday decided not to approve immediately a proposed ban.

It insisted that it must seek the consultation first.

"The Council of State will get back to us within one week," Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart said.

He was speaking after he attended the Cabinet meeting.

During the meeting, Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodi proposed alcohol sales be banned up to 5.59pm on April 13 as a measure to curb road casualties.

April 13 is a national holiday during the Songkran Festival, which usually runs till April 15.

Because hundreds of thousand people hit the road during the Songkran holidays, the road casualties are high during the period.

Many activists saw the government's decision to seek the Council of State's legal interpretation as a tactic to delay the ban on alcohol sale.

An informed source said most Cabinet members are opposed to Manit's proposal.

According to the source, Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa suggested the ban would hurt the campaign to promote tourism during the Songkran Festival. Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat commented it would be difficult to enforce the ban because most police would be deployed to facilitate traffic. Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul said the government should seek the co-operation of shops that sell alcohol.

Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn Senneam said the Ministry promised to keep reminding motorists about safe driving during the period.

"We will try to reduce road casualties," he said.

-- The Nation 2009-03-25

[Colonel_Mustard]

Total ban (and not just for Songkran) would be my favoured solution.

[Bagwan]

The Government is in two minds? More likely that they are out of both of them.

[Minus]

Total ban (and not just for Songkran) would be my favoured solution.

Saudi Arabia welcomes you , while I will enjoy my glass(es) of Bordeaux during Songkran, no matter what these pathetic buffoons decide.

[hammered]

Funny to see the government get into its biggest mess over alcohol and songkhran. They have done pretty well at the difficult stuff like by-elections, censure, red shirts etc and they make such a mess of this...

Dabbling with those Thai Talebans (aka as social crusaders) who would impose all kind of restrictions on people was a bot of a mistake as I am sure Abhisit will now be thinking.

[webfact]

IMHO it would not surprise me if the decision whether to to ban or not to ban will be postponed after Songran celebrations are over...

Everybody is aware a ban will change nothing! The consumption of booze (already stockpiled everywhere) will increase!

Now I will continue to read Miguel de Cervantes "Don Quixote"... the part with the windmills...

[catmac]

Minister of Tourism and Sports supports alcohol distribution ban after Songkran

The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Chumpol Silpa-acha, expressed his support to the Public Health Ministry’s ban on alcohol distribution in many festivals while calling for the effectiveness of the ban after the Songkran Festival in order to boost Thai tourism, embattled by the closure of two major airports in Bangkok at the end of last year.

Despite his full support on the ban, Mr. Chumpol said that the distribution of alcohol during the Songkran Festival this year should not be banned for fear that it would create negative sentiment to Thai tourism. After the airport closure last year, he reported that the number of tourists declined by 20 percent, but now the number increased by 10 percent.

Mr. Chumpol viewed that without any incident to affect the tourism during the incoming Songkran Festival, more tourists would travel to the kingdom. He said his ministry would provide full co-operation to promote the government’s policies to get Thai tourism back on track. Around 16 million tourists travel to Thailand each year and the nation earns around five trillion baht from tourism in a year.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 24 March 2009

How can a Minister be so out of touch with reality?

According to TAT, tourism in the first 3 months of this year is down by nearly 40%. True the decline is slowing compared with the immediate post-PAD airport fiasco, but the figures are still down.

ADT reports a 40% drop in domestic bookings for this Songkran (see Jai Dee's post above), and yet this idiot is talking about a 10% increase. With Ministers like this, I despair of Thailand ever surviving! But then, isn't he one of those self-serving minority party leaders that are holding Abhihisit over a barrel?

[BigSnake]

Just for kicks and grins Ban Alcohol Sales everywhere during Songkran, see if it works, prove or dis-prove the naysayer. DO this year, power that be show you have BALLS, go for it.

[samgrowth]

Any restriction will mean big money for the Thai Police.

Just like Chicago long time ago, when the whole city (judge, police, politician, etc) are in Al's pay roll.

[Minus]

IMHO it would not surprise me if the decision whether to to ban or not to ban will be postponed after Songran celebrations are over...

Everybody is aware a ban will change nothing! The consumption of booze (already stockpiled everywhere) will increase!

Now I will continue to read Miguel de Cervantes "Don Quixote"... the part with the windmills...

As for the thai politicians, the most relevant literary reference must be Dostoyevskiys " The Idiot".

[phazey]

Government in two minds? I was unaware they had a whole one to rub together. This kind of news makes me think:

1) Shopping list + 4 cartons of Chaing

2) The complete lacking of the authorities to control "binge" drinking during festivities, including increased punishments (for one, i am a fan of Australia's double demerit system during school holidays etc).

3) no one would give a toss any other time of the year - although i acknowledge the increased fatality rate due to RTA's etc, it simply means the general public are none the wiser any other day of the year.

./P

[samgrowth]

Ban or not, I am stocking up at Tesco tonight.

More profit for the English Hypermarket chain.

[Jai Dee]

Youths called for alcohol sale ban during Songkran Festival

Youth Network for Prevention of New Drinkers called for the Interior Minister to support the alcohol sale ban during the Songkran festival.

Interior Ministry Spokesperson Supachai Chaisamut today received the proposal from over 50 representatives of the Youth Network for Prevention of New drinkers in the name of the Interior Minister . The representatives, led by the Secretary-General of Rajabhat University Federation Mr. Ukrid Chanthawee, came to give their moral support to Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul and called for him to support the ban of liquor sale during the upcoming Songkran festival.

The youth’s representatives demanded for the policy board chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Major General Sanan Kajornprasart not to delay the ban of alcohol sale during Songkran. They claimed the board should consider the people’s quality of life rather than the firms’ benefits.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 27 March 2009

[hammered]

The old Thai talebans and social crusaders continue to have an influence. If anyone lives in a Songkhran hotspotthey will realise that any ban will be utterly ludicrous and would just expose anyone trying to enfiorce it to violence. The police have enough trouble controlling traffic and gangs of rival hormone overdosed young men already without trying to take their alcohol.

Not selling it will mean the pick ups doing the circuits will not only be laden with tanks of water and powder but also crates of all kinds of alcohol probably in bottleform bought before so instead of having the cans supplied by vendors they will actually bring a whole load of better weaponry with them thanks to the ban. Nightmare for the police.

Most of the deaths also occur because of lao kaoed up motorcyclists flying into a tree or something. There is no way lao khao wont be available in poor villages.

This ban will affect quiet BKK and tourist destinations and hit the middle classes etc

And delaying the decison affects business too. Do small business stock upon alcohol to make money or wait and see. There couldbe a god almighty alcohol rush caused by this insanity.

Thailand already has the laws if it want to enforce them added to a reality that in some places law enforcement is so strained at this time of year that adding extra laws is ludicrous.

So do the Thai taleban get their way or will sanity reign. Most of the cabinet seems pretty much agreed that banning alcohol isnt the way ahead but theyhave these Purachaiesque social crusader groups hanging around their necks like albatrosses.

[Minus]

Sanan under fire over drinks stance

BANGKOK: -- The Alcohol Watch Network and allies are demanding that Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart be removed from the National Committee on Alcohol Consumption Control because of his reluctance to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages during the upcoming Songkran Festival.

Sanan currently chairs the panel.

"It's clear that under his leadership, the committee is more interฌested in protecting business interests instead of people's lives," Khamron Chudecha, coordinator for the Stop Drink Network, said yesterday.

He was speaking after Sanan said he would seek advice from the Office of the Council of State as to whether the government had the power to ban alcohol sales.

"We find there are two contradicting laws. So, I think we should consult the council first," Sanan said. He is expected to tell the Cabinet about his decision today.

He added that if the council ruled that the government was within its rights to impose the ban, then he would prohibit the sale of alcohol from April 13.

"We have been informed that April 13 is the most important day during the festival and is the day with the highest number of road casualties," Sanan said.

Hundreds of thousands of Thais hit the roads during the Songkran, either to go partying or to head for their home provinces. Though the festival offers much fun and frolic, it is also known for its high road tolls every year.

In a bid to reduce the number of deaths, Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodi has proposed that the sale of alcohol be banned everywhere between April 12 and April 14. He also proposed that hotels, pubs and restaurants be exempted from the ban from 6pm to midnight during the period.

Activists against the alcohol consumption yesterday showed strong opposition to Sanan's move to question the ban.

Songkran Parkchokdee, an activist, believes that Sanan is just trying to buy time and delay the ban.

"I think the government will not be able issue a prohibition on the sale of alcohol during this year's Songkran festival," Songkran said.

When asked about the activists' reaction, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva refused to comment saying he was waiting for more details from the National Committee on Alcohol Consumption Control.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul, who is also a member of the committee, explained that banning alcohol during the festival period would adversely affect the government's measures to boost the economy, because people won't be spending as much money. Instead, he said, stricter penalties should be levied against drunk drivers.

-- The Nation 2009-03-24

What the hypocrite talibans forgot to mention is that Sanan has one of the best and most expansive wine cellar in Thailand, including Chateau Petrus, Chateau Mouton -Rotschild, and others .

You can't fool me.

[Jai Dee]

ABAC Poll: Majority backs ban on alcohol sale during Songkran

The majority of citizens have expressed support on the government's plan to prohibit sales of alcoholic drinks during the upcoming Songkran Festival, according to the ABAC Poll.

The latest opinion survey on the Songkran alcohol ban has been conducted by Assumption University's ABAC Poll Research Center on March 25-28, 2009, among 2,147 respondents over 18 years old nationwide. The result indicated that 68.5% agreed with the plan prohibiting all sales of alcoholic beverages around the clock during the festival while 27.3% opposed the idea, and the remaining 4.2% had no comments. The majority of 84.6% also deemed alcohol as the main cause of road accidents during national holidays.

When asked whether the number of accidents would be decreased if a time restriction on alcohol sales was imposed, 76.1% said no while 12.1% said yes, and 11.8% had no opinions. In the same direction, if the sales were allowed only at restaurants and prohibited elsewhere, the majority of 81.4% still believed the number would not be lowered while 8.5% believed it would, and 10.1% had no comments.

In addition, the majority of 77.8% would have doubts in the government and influential figures if alcohol sales were eventually allowed while 13.9% felt it would be acceptable, and 8.3% had no opinions.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 30 March 2009

[animatic]

Sanan under fire over drinks stance

BANGKOK: -- The Alcohol Watch Network and allies are demanding that Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart be removed from the National Committee on Alcohol Consumption Control because of his reluctance to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages during the upcoming Songkran Festival.

Sanan currently chairs the panel.

"It's clear that under his leadership, the committee is more interฌested in protecting business interests instead of people's lives," Khamron Chudecha, coordinator for the Stop Drink Network, said yesterday.

He was speaking after Sanan said he would seek advice from the Office of the Council of State as to whether the government had the power to ban alcohol sales.

"We find there are two contradicting laws. So, I think we should consult the council first," Sanan said. He is expected to tell the Cabinet about his decision today.

He added that if the council ruled that the government was within its rights to impose the ban, then he would prohibit the sale of alcohol from April 13.

"We have been informed that April 13 is the most important day during the festival and is the day with the highest number of road casualties," Sanan said.

Hundreds of thousands of Thais hit the roads during the Songkran, either to go partying or to head for their home provinces. Though the festival offers much fun and frolic, it is also known for its high road tolls every year.

In a bid to reduce the number of deaths, Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodi has proposed that the sale of alcohol be banned everywhere between April 12 and April 14. He also proposed that hotels, pubs and restaurants be exempted from the ban from 6pm to midnight during the period.

Activists against the alcohol consumption yesterday showed strong opposition to Sanan's move to question the ban.

Songkran Parkchokdee, an activist, believes that Sanan is just trying to buy time and delay the ban.

"I think the government will not be able issue a prohibition on the sale of alcohol during this year's Songkran festival," Songkran said.

When asked about the activists' reaction, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva refused to comment saying he was waiting for more details from the National Committee on Alcohol Consumption Control.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul, who is also a member of the committee, explained that banning alcohol during the festival period would adversely affect the government's measures to boost the economy, because people won't be spending as much money. Instead, he said, stricter penalties should be levied against drunk drivers.

-- The Nation 2009-03-24

What the hypocrite talibans forgot to mention is that Sanan has one of the best and most expansive wine cellar in Thailand, including Chateau Petrus, Chateau Mouton -Rotschild, and others .

You can't fool me.

And you can't fool us either.

Would you know a Petrus if it bit you on the leg?

[samgrowth]

There is no law banning hypocrite drinking the best and most expansive foreign wine in Thailand. Not even during Songkran.

Since there will be no sales, I better drink as much as possible before I leave home. Not forgetting filling up my truck so that I can drink all along my trip while driving.

[bellevue]

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