Authorities decide to restrict alcohol sales during Songkran
By Coconuts Bangkok


Songkran!

BANGKOK: -- In an effort to reduce traffic accidents and general danger to the populace during Songkran, Thai authorities have decided to designate certain parts of Bangkok and other provinces as “alcohol-free zones” in which the sale and consumption of alcohol will be strictly prohibited.

Included in these dry spots (an ironic designation during Songkran) will be Bangkok’s Khao San, Rama Nine and Silom roads.

Parts of Pattaya and Phuket will be subjected to the dry spell as well.

Deputy national police chief Ruangsak Jaritek said on Monday that revelers will be allowed to enter these areas, but only if they park their vehicles outside of the safe zones’ boundaries. Anyone caught driving or riding in a car while under the influence of alcohol will be subject to six months’ imprisonment or a THB30,000 fine.

Full story: http://www.coconutsbangkok.com/news/authorities-decide-to-restrict-alcohol-sales-during-songkran/


-- Coconuts Bangkok 2013-03-26

How many "drive" to these spots for Songkran?

Most deaths are on the highways and byways.

Fail.

April fools day already

The BIB are licking their chops already.

Who is going to enforce these laws?

Then I will be the first one to publicaly call for a ban on all Alchohol sales in Pattaya for that week of Songkran.

This includes closing down or banning the sale of all Alchohol in bars in Pattaya ... including those bars and shops that sell mainly to Farang customers.

Give all th bargirls and ladyboys a week long holiday over Songkran.

Let's just close down Pattaya for a week.

But of course, that will never happen.

I'll be interested to see this years road death statistics, after this innovative plan.

This one will be a real revenue booster for BiB.

Great idea. These things can get out of hand if people get drunk as well. There are plenty of places to dink alcohol, so it makes sense to have alcohol-free zones where people can have fun.

The businesses in these areas will have a fit about this.

How many people actually drive down Khao San anyways? Is it not 95% foreign tourists on foot?

Nonsense...

This gov;t is full of geniouses

They should ban alcohol in all regions that support PTP

Would be interested to see how that would go over

I dont know if I should laugh or cry with this new idea ...... I guess people can move from one part to another just to buy some booze no ? non sense even if its to fight against road dangers but I guess you need more than alcohol ban if you want to reduce death toll .

How many people actually drive down Khao San anyways? Is it not 95% foreign tourists on foot?

Nonsense...

It's not only about road accidents, but general safety.

Amazing Thailand...

Waiting for TAT's response to this...

Alcohol is banned in many countries (including USA and UK) during certain events.Also banned in certain streets in UK and USA all the time. Nothing new here.

Everybody stock up your kitchen with lots of Booze now.. Where is a more detailed map of the Restricted areas during this holiday??

Amazing Thailand...

Waiting for TAT's response to this...

Why should they respond? Tourists don't care if alcohol is banned in a few streets. Still plenty of places to drink.

Everybody stock up your kitchen with lots of Booze now.. Where is a more detailed map of the Restricted areas during this holiday??

Why do you need to stock up? 99%+ of places will still be selling alcohol.

Personaly I think the best bet is just to Ban songkran, Its just an excuse for all the dickheads to come out on the streets and roads. again Ban it

Alcohol bans in the UK are usually directed at sporting events usually on trains that travelling supporters are on. This seems just ludicrous from the BIB, all I can see is them having an idea on making money.

The only true way to kurb drink-driving is to have affective laws that are obeyed by all & no corruption! But TIT so I wont hold my breath.

Alcohol is banned in many countries (including USA and UK) during certain events.Also banned in certain streets in UK and USA all the time. Nothing new here.

The important thing that isn't new here is the authorities not recognising what the problem actually is and coming up with a legislation that will not fix the real problem.

The road accidents primarily do not happen in these areas anyway.

"Anyone caught driving or riding in a car while under the influence of alcohol will be subject to six months’ imprisonment or a THB30,000 fine."

I hope there's something lost in translation here. This implies that passengers in cars, which I would assume would also apply to the thousands of revellers in the back of pickup trucks, could be arrested.

Why should they respond? Tourists don't care if alcohol is banned in a few streets. Still plenty of places to drink.

If your hotel happens to be in one of these areas, as a tourist you are going to care...

This ban on alcohol is not going to work. all it does is encourage the masses to stock up alcohol and party elsewhere the authorities should rather keep an eye out for drunk and disorderly people. who wants to party under these conditions anyway, rather stay at home or party in the soi where you live. much better and much safer. remember the beatings, the robberies and the killings from last year.

Anyone caught driving or riding in a car while under the influence of alcohol will be subject to six months’ imprisonment or a THB30,000 fine.

Riding in a car under the influence?? I guess they mean driving a car!!! The places in these areas are not going to be happy loosing revue from drinkers & where is a map of where the exact borders are who can not sell!! I do not support drinking & driving but if I do not drive I should be able to have my beer !!

Could someone please tell me how many people died due to road accidents in any of these areas over the last 20 years?

Surely, if yer gonna ban the booze, do it where it may actually have a positive affect.

...oh, yes...sure....

Restrict Songkrang to ONE day {Everywhere} and save Lives....