Thai Authorities Decide To Restrict Alcohol Sales During Songkran

[siampolee]

The whole ban is wrong.

The throwing of water should be banned .

Nothing worse than having ones beer watered down by passing itinerant non drinkers or the Provisional Wing of the Thai Temperance Society

[kpm]

Some farangs on here are pathetic. This is NOT your country, if you do not like things that happen here then leave...PLEASE!

Songkran is Thai New Year. It is celebrated by all Thais across the country. I have been privileged to spend the past two Songkrans in rural Thailand where it is a single day and a very good one at that. Food and soft drinks during the late morning and early afternoon. Venues set up with a stage, musicians and full and proper respect paid to the elders of the villages, as is the tradition at this time of the year. Children run around with their water guns but spend most of the time spraying each other - until they see the only farang in town! Later on the booze comes out and everyone has a few drinks. Then it is off in the early evening to whoever is playing host and the serious drinking gets underway for the men and young adults whilst the women prepare more food. Everyone finds a place to sleep when they have had their fill and make their way home when they wake - along farm tracks rather than city roads.

The tradition of Songkran is basterdised in tourist places only and I endured seven years of Pattaya style Songkran which has nothing to do with the spirit of the festival and seems to run forever. But for a foreigner to suggest banning Songkran is so mornoic that the writer should be thrown out of the country.

Yes there are high casualties on the roads over Songkran. Thais are generally not the best or most courteous of drivers even when sober and, of course, nobody should drink and drive. A proper drink drive campaign is required and should run constantly but the behaviour of a few is no reason to even discuss banning the festival.

If you do not understand the country, its traditions, its festivals and its beliefs then go away - you really are not wanted here and do nothing but lower the Thais opinions of those of us that are fortunate to live in this country.

[peterdarby]

"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.

Passengers in cars in Japan are also not allowed to be drunk. Thailand's laws seem to be written with multiple interpretations in mind, so I wouldn't be surprised if this wastrue here too.

[A Member]

Fail.

Don't you just love it, an " alcohol free zone ' to go with a " drug free zone " as claimed by Kalasin after Thaksin's war on drugs saw 2,000 odd deaths. Does anyone have the nuts to declare a " corruption free zone " ?

[Zaza4U]

1. The police won't bother:

We cannot ride without a helmet. This is only enforced when police are in bonus week. You cannot do U-turns on main roads. Everyone does it. You cannot drive counter traffic on high ways. Bikes do it. etc..

2. Unlicensed drivers

Most drivers never learnt to drive. They don't have a driving license. Many 12 year old students drive their car to school. They can barely see over the wheel and never took driving lessons.

I think this is another waste of time. More laws no one will follow or enforce.

[Katipo]

Restrictions are necessary when those in power have no authority/are to corrupt & incompetent to educate. And/or when those who should know better are too stupid or simply don't care to change.

[mca]

http://notthenation.com/2011/06/police-prepare-for-election-day-expat-sobriety-riots/

[VINCENT2012]

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.

well another XXXX idea not to follow ! why people can not have or buy a drink? what the hell is that?and people vote for this kind of life? i already banned myself usa and uk as country to live since long time ago.

[Pimay1]

http://notthenation.com/2011/06/police-prepare-for-election-day-expat-sobriety-riots/

Quote of the day.

“The people likely to cause a stir on election day can’t think three hours ahead, much less plan for a weekend,” she said. “You might as well ask your dog to feed himself while you’re on vacation.”

[FNQ]

Irrespective, Remember to keep your mouth shut to keep water out and only open to let Alcohol in!

[VINCENT2012]

On new year,christmas,songkran,my birthday or any festival day in the world there must be on the table , (for those who can aford it) wine my friend,champagne,whisky ,wodka,gin,for smoker ...cuban cigar,music of course and plenty people to enjoy with. Otherwise it is not a party ..it is kind of bullxxxx day.

[Curt1591]

Who is going to enforce these laws?

The BIB is licking its chops. They have picked these locations because they know that the streets will be flooded with drunken fools, law or no law. They will make a fortune!

[JetsetBkk]

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

Nonsense...

There's more to Thailand than Khao San f'ing road.

[MILT]

Getting tough on drinking and driving! Good news! Now I would like to see that same announcement on burning in the north.

Although the smokey season will soon be over I would just like to read a stiff warning on burning as is with drinking and driving.

Happy Songkran everyone. I hope no one stay's dry and all those folks digging out during Songkran "you won't be missed"

[VINCENT2012]

Some farangs on here are pathetic. This is NOT your country, if you do not like things that happen here then leave...PLEASE!

Songkran is Thai New Year. It is celebrated by all Thais across the country. I have been privileged to spend the past two Songkrans in rural Thailand where it is a single day and a very good one at that. Food and soft drinks during the late morning and early afternoon. Venues set up with a stage, musicians and full and proper respect paid to the elders of the villages, as is the tradition at this time of the year. Children run around with their water guns but spend most of the time spraying each other - until they see the only farang in town! Later on the booze comes out and everyone has a few drinks. Then it is off in the early evening to whoever is playing host and the serious drinking gets underway for the men and young adults whilst the women prepare more food. Everyone finds a place to sleep when they have had their fill and make their way home when they wake - along farm tracks rather than city roads.

The tradition of Songkran is basterdised in tourist places only and I endured seven years of Pattaya style Songkran which has nothing to do with the spirit of the festival and seems to run forever. But for a foreigner to suggest banning Songkran is so mornoic that the writer should be thrown out of the country.

Yes there are high casualties on the roads over Songkran. Thais are generally not the best or most courteous of drivers even when sober and, of course, nobody should drink and drive. A proper drink drive campaign is required and should run constantly but the behaviour of a few is no reason to even discuss banning the festival.

If you do not understand the country, its traditions, its festivals and its beliefs then go away - you really are not wanted here and do nothing but lower the Thais opinions of those of us that are fortunate to live in this country.

you are the pathethic with such a post....plenty are going to

[VINCENT2012]

Restrictions are necessary when those in power have no authority/are to corrupt & incompetent to educate. And/or when those who should know better are too stupid or simply don't care to change.

please concerned... read this post....thats for you because it is the true reality

[erenkara]

Accidents aren't happening because of drinking and driving on Kosan or Patpong. Happenning on roads. I don't really understand the logic behind it

[DocN]

Some farangs on here are pathetic. This is NOT your country, if you do not like things that happen here then leave...PLEASE!

Songkran is Thai New Year. It is celebrated by all Thais across the country. I have been privileged to spend the past two Songkrans in rural Thailand where it is a single day and a very good one at that. Food and soft drinks during the late morning and early afternoon. Venues set up with a stage, musicians and full and proper respect paid to the elders of the villages, as is the tradition at this time of the year. Children run around with their water guns but spend most of the time spraying each other - until they see the only farang in town! Later on the booze comes out and everyone has a few drinks. Then it is off in the early evening to whoever is playing host and the serious drinking gets underway for the men and young adults whilst the women prepare more food. Everyone finds a place to sleep when they have had their fill and make their way home when they wake - along farm tracks rather than city roads.

The tradition of Songkran is basterdised in tourist places only and I endured seven years of Pattaya style Songkran which has nothing to do with the spirit of the festival and seems to run forever. But for a foreigner to suggest banning Songkran is so mornoic that the writer should be thrown out of the country.

Yes there are high casualties on the roads over Songkran. Thais are generally not the best or most courteous of drivers even when sober and, of course, nobody should drink and drive. A proper drink drive campaign is required and should run constantly but the behaviour of a few is no reason to even discuss banning the festival.

If you do not understand the country, its traditions, its festivals and its beliefs then go away - you really are not wanted here and do nothing but lower the Thais opinions of those of us that are fortunate to live in this country.

Thank you for being so kind to enlighten all of us stupid farang about the wonderful life iand festivities of Thailand.

I just have one or the other question, if I may...

1) So...according to you, Pattaya must not be Thailand then or completely emptied of Thais!

If not...what are you complaining about? It is THEIR country, so Pattay Songkran is as good and as "theirs" as "wherever the hell you are"- Songkran!

As is Songkran in Patpong or Khao Sarn Road!

2) You are soooooooo right...there may be casualties!

a few hundered every year, to be precise!

And guess what?

If they would only kill each other, I wouldn't give a hoot about it (actually: that is not true, I would still think, it is a gisgrace! Wanna know why? Empathy! Try some!) But we know, that there are tourists who get killed, too! Yeah...tourists! Those pesky creatures, that (according to your wonderful PM) are not leaving enough money here!

And as long as I am in danger of being killed by some drunk moron myself...I will complain! Is that okay with you and any idea of "free speech"? Thank you!

3) Last but not least: at what time and what point of immigration did you leave the idea of free speech, critical thinking or identity behind, in your desperate attempt, to fit in and to please everyone around you?

[Markaew]

I am going to buy 5 cases of beer (maybe more) in advance to be sure I am drunk throughout the holiday. Can they stop that? NO!

[silopsist]

Some farangs on here are pathetic. This is NOT your country, if you do not like things that happen here then leave...PLEASE!

Songkran is Thai New Year. It is celebrated by all Thais across the country. I have been privileged to spend the past two Songkrans in rural Thailand where it is a single day and a very good one at that. Food and soft drinks during the late morning and early afternoon. Venues set up with a stage, musicians and full and proper respect paid to the elders of the villages, as is the tradition at this time of the year. Children run around with their water guns but spend most of the time spraying each other - until they see the only farang in town! Later on the booze comes out and everyone has a few drinks. Then it is off in the early evening to whoever is playing host and the serious drinking gets underway for the men and young adults whilst the women prepare more food. Everyone finds a place to sleep when they have had their fill and make their way home when they wake - along farm tracks rather than city roads.

The tradition of Songkran is basterdised in tourist places only and I endured seven years of Pattaya style Songkran which has nothing to do with the spirit of the festival and seems to run forever. But for a foreigner to suggest banning Songkran is so mornoic that the writer should be thrown out of the country.

Yes there are high casualties on the roads over Songkran. Thais are generally not the best or most courteous of drivers even when sober and, of course, nobody should drink and drive. A proper drink drive campaign is required and should run constantly but the behaviour of a few is no reason to even discuss banning the festival.

If you do not understand the country, its traditions, its festivals and its beliefs then go away - you really are not wanted here and do nothing but lower the Thais opinions of those of us that are fortunate to live in this country.

Yawn.........................

I agree banning sonkran is ridiculous, I love it, but please not another if u don't like it go home post..................... I'd prefer a ban on people making posts telling others to go home if they don't like it.................

lol

[Chrisswe]

Ok , good action taken. But in this case people's know how to planning!!

[Chrisswe]

Ok , good action taken. But in this case people's know how to planning!!

[pattayadingo]

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

Or enforce it to 2 days and really hammer the idiots who flout the law. Who needs a week or ten days of this sh*t?

I too have been up country where they have 1 or maybe 2 days of Songkran and they have great fun.

[Chao Lao Beach]

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

Next week they will announounce what the death toll will be and it will amazingly be correct

[steve down under]

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.

Hmm I've never heard of an Alcohol ban during certain events in the UK only time I have come across any restrictions in alcohol sales is Good Friday when sales of Alcohol in supermarkets isnt permitted before 12 noon other than that Alcohol is freely available for sale !

[salapau]

Another load of nonsense from the government who just " talk the talk " and don't " walk the walk. " Increase the police presense, cancel their leave they have a duty to the public. During this festival last year I had to avoid a crash at around 4pm, by letting my motor bike slide away and from underneath me. A totally reckless driver came straight out from a side road in front of me, so I had to avoid a direct hit. I had a coupla scrapes but the bike was damaged more. The driver reluctantly got out of his car and could just about stand up, he was so drunk and stank like a distillery. What happened ? Eventually a policeman on a motorbike stopped, helped the driver into his car and they both disappeared, leaving me with a bike that I could no longer ride. I wonder who the drunken driver was !!!!!!!

[WhizBang]

 

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.

Are you serious? Khao San is tourist backpacker central. Trust me, they WILL care.

And what of the impact on businesses (restaurants/bars) in these 'Dry' zones. Will they be compensated in any way for the loss of revenue?

[WhizBang]

EPIC FAIL.

[WhizBang]

 

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

Restricting Songkran to one day would be the ideal solution. But that will never happen. Too much money involved.

[WhizBang]

 

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.

Guess that means no Taxi's but bikes, pickup trucks and Tuk Tuks are ok.

So, I guess, no designated drivers then?