Parents warned to keep underage children from alcohol drinking

BANGKOK: -- Parents are being warned to keep children under 18 away from alcohol during the Songkran festival, as authorities plan to crack down on underage drinking during the celebrations as part of the effort to curb the road toll during the period.

Parents whose children are caught drinking during the festival could face penalties - starting with a written warning - under the Child Protection Act of 2003, said Dr Narong Sahamethapat, the deputy head of the Disease Control Department.

Those who sell alcohol to children face a maximum three-month prison term and a Bt30,000 fine under separate legislation, the doctor said.

Recent statistics showing a large increase in alcohol consumption among people aged 18 or less combined with poor road-safety practices among teenage motorbike riders was particularly worrying, Narong said.

"This group needs to be watched," he said.

--The Nation 2006-04-12

Keep them away from driving as well!

BANGKOK: -- Parents are being warned to keep children under 18 away from alcohol during the Songkran festival.............

Why only at Songkran?

Can they get pissed the rest of the year????

I do wish Thai officials would engage their brains before opening their mouths.

As if those buying from 7-11 are above 18 yrs old?

Most 'underaged' kids below 18 yrs are seen drinking in parks or shops openly. The law can ban them from entering those discos and pubs. But they cannot keep the bottle away from them for sure