National Parks Chief Slammed For Reported Easing Of Booze Ban: Thailand

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NEW RULES

DNP chief slammed for reported easing of booze ban

Duangkamon Sajirawattanakul

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Stop-Drink Network Office director Songkran Pakchokdee yesterday slammed Manopat Huamuangkaew, director-general of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), for easing the alcohol ban at national parks by allowing drinking at park lodges.

Although the DNP secretary earlier said the partial lifting of the alcohol ban was the DNP chief's personal opinion and the ban was still in effect, Songkran said such a signal by the DNP chief was against the regulation in effect since December 28, 2010. Under Article 18 of the National Park Act 1961, those bringing alcohol to national parks are punishable with up to a month in jail and/or a Bt10,000 fine. The alcohol sellers and drinkers at national parks could face up to six months in jail and/or a Bt10,000 fine.

Saying such a move was against the former minister's strict policy, he said the DNP chief would be responsible for losses stemming from consumption of alcohol at national parks. It had also caused confusion in society, leading to problems for operation-level officials.

"What kind of tourists do you want? Most people visit parks for peace with nature rather than put up with noise from drinking parties," Songkran said. "The old policy was good, I don't understand why you want to favour alcohol sellers or drunken park visitors," he said. "The problems from drinking alcohol in parks wasn't just about fights but the noise levels that could disturb others and also the wildlife, as well as the garbage accumulation issue."

Meanwhile, Dr Saman Futrakul, director of the Disease Control Department’s Office of Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Consumption Control Committee, yesterday said that besides campaigning against alcohol advertisement and selling at prohibited places and time, the health officials would visit national parks to ensure the existing alcohol-ban regulation wasn't violated. He said he did not believe that the DNP chief would ease the alcohol ban and even if he did, it cannot come into effect as law.

Disease Control Department chief Pornthep Siriwanarangsan said officials would, during the New Year holidays, visit and warn vendors to strictly observe the Alcohol Control Act 2008, and urged the public to alert the authorities about such lawbreakers on hotline 1422 or 0-2590-3342.

Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong said the government aimed to reduce road accidents and casualties during the holiday period from December 27, 2012 to January 2, 2013 by at least five per cent from last year's figure during the same period. The number of accidents must not exceed 2,939 accidents, and not more than 320 deaths and 3,207 injured. The ministry had readied 1,500 hospitals with emergency medical units, treatments and patient referral systems.

-- The Nation 2012-12-28

[bootly66]

100% agreed !!!

[chooka]

wowser!

[Misterwhisper]

There is a hell of a difference between a small group of friends having a few quiet beers to wind down after an exhausting day of enjoying nature, and large groups visiting a national park for the sole purpose of throwing noisy parties with copious amounts of alcohol.

I believe that the vast majority of national visitors are of the former kind, while the latter generally are indifferent to the natural surroundings and rather treat national parks as just another party venue. These are the ones responsible for noise pollution and indiscriminate littering. A blanket ban is in my opinion not the right measure to tackle this problem.

[ZZZ]

What's the deal with koh Samet, is it also covered by this ban?

[bootly66]

There is a hell of a difference between a small group of friends having a few quiet beers to wind down after an exhausting day of enjoying nature, and large groups visiting a national park for the sole purpose of throwing noisy parties with copious amounts of alcohol.

I believe that the vast majority of national visitors are of the former kind, while the latter generally are indifferent to the natural surroundings and rather treat national parks as just another party venue. These are the ones responsible for noise pollution and indiscriminate littering. A blanket ban is in my opinion not the right measure to tackle this problem.

Not really sure where you draw the line .... I for one love my beer , but not to the point where I can't go without for a few days.. Rules are rules (and will be broken) I for one will still hide a few Leos in my truck when camping

Edited December 28, 2012 by bootly66

[amja]

What's the deal with koh Samet, is it also covered by this ban?

I sure would like to see fhe BIB´s make a big crackdown on the beers and buckets that is served at Samet!

Amja

[stoli]

Well Ladies,

What did you think was going to happen on New Years Eve? Sewing bee's? I myself will be in bed by 9:00pm, but I dont mind those that stay up late to celebrate the new year. That is nromal. If you are up, go have fun wth the others celebrating the near year.

[khaowong1]

I agree, there should be a alcohol ban in National Parks. It's not like you can't forgo a drink for an afternoon. The people that enjoy the parks shouldn't have to put up with loud noise and drunks. Save it for the bars or the backyard at home.

[PoodMaiDai]

Yea, let all the people who can't go without booze drinking and causing problems in the parks. Brilliant move.

[Chao Lao Beach]

What's the deal with koh Samet, is it also covered by this ban?

I sure would like to see fhe BIB´s make a big crackdown on the beers and buckets that is served at Samet!

Amja

Apart form the Sign at the check point where they get money out of you, Koh Samet does not even slightly resemble a National Park.