Alcohol beverages ban during New Year and Songkran triggers outcry

[webfact]

Alcohol beverages ban triggers outcry



BANGKOK: -- A proposal by the director of the Office of the Alcoholic Beverages Committee Dr Samarn Futrakul to ban all alcohol beverages sales during the New Year holiday and Songkran festival is stiring up outcry with many business operators voicing strong opposition saying that it will severely affect their business and affect tourism.

But Public Health Minister Dr Ratchata Ratchata-nawin assured that the ban is still a tentative proposal which can be changed when it is to be debated by the Alcoholic Beverages Committee which he is chairman on December 19.

It is an undeniable fact that New Year and Songkran festival holidays are a time for celebration and rejoicing and alcohol consumption is the norm. But it is also argued that the major cause of road mishaps that claimed high casualties during festive season is drunk driving.

This led Dr Samarn, director of Office of the Alcoholic Beverages Committee to propose banning alcoholic sales during the two festivals.

However Dr Samarn assured, however, he proposed only banning of sales but did not prohibit drinking.

Customers still can buy before the banned time goes into effect, and then take them out for drinking during the festive time, he said.

But operators of entertainment venues located on Khao Sarn road are entirely against the proposed banning of alcohol sales from December 31 to January 1 as it will directly affect their businesses.

As they said their clients are almost exclusively foreign tourists and should the proposal be passed they intend to muster to rally against it.

“It will seriously affect us because foreign tourists drink a lot of beer. This proposal will mean that we won’t be able to sell beer at all! A lot of businesses here are against it and we will certainly be protesting it,” an entertainment venue operator at Khao Sarn road said.

What is peculiar about the proposal is that although sales of alcohol is banned, private individuals are permitted to bring in their own alcohol onto the premises of restaurants or entertainment venues for consumption. This seems preposterous as few, if any, restaurant owners will allow such an act, she said.

A regular foreign customer to Khao Sarn road also said, “I don’t see how any owner will allow such a thing. What if a customer was not hungry and did not want to eat but only wants to drink!

Furthermore the idea that customers can bring in their own alcohol that they had purchased previously, to drink at restaurants that are not permitted to sell alcohol themselves is ridiculous! Thai’s love to meet up with friends and have a drink, it is in their nature, ” one Thai customer said.

But locals are not the only ones against the proposal as almost all tourists regard the banning of alcohol during New Year holidays – a universal holiday celebration; as impossible to enforce.

They did say however that the banning of alcohol sales during important national dates such as during religious holidays was agreeable and understandable.

“Who came up with this idea? I don’t think such a proposal can be enforced because even if such a law were to be passed no one is going to pay attention to it!” said Yoann Chaouch, a French tourist to Khao Sarn road.

The tremendous public outcry regarding the banning of alcohol sales during New Year and Songkran has forced Dr. Ratchata Ratchata-nawin, the Public Health Minister, to come out and say that the proposal was just an idea to tackle the number of traffic fatalities as a result of drunk-driving.

He said that the proposal would likely not come out in time for this year’s New Year holidays as the Alcohol Beverages Committee is planning to meet to consider the measures on December 19.

Furthermore, if the committee endorses the measures, then the proposal will have to be presented to the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee which is chaired by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha for approval.

“There are many different views on the issue at the moment. We will for the time being listen to all comments and opinions before making a decision.”

Under Dr Samarn proposal, violator faces six month imprisonment and a fine of a maximum 10,000 baht. The proposal intends to tackle sellers, not customers, he said.

However president of the Medical Council Prof Dr Sonsaj Loleka said no countries has ever come out with such proposal, no matter they be the United States or Japan.

They seriously tackle drunk drivers with heavy punishment outright and booking their records for life, he said.

For Thailand, he said it was the matter of no serious enforcement of laws that resulted in all measures becoming ineffective.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/alcohol-beverages-ban-triggers-outcry


-- Thai PBS 2014-12-09

[DrTuner]

Usually these proposals are made to cover up something else going on behind the curtains. I wonder what that was this time ..

[wow64]

Very good idea... stop even more tourists from coming and stop 2 of the biggest nights the businesses will have in the year.

[Bluespunk]

"However Dr Samarn assured, however, he proposed only banning of sales but did not prohibit drinking.

Customers still can buy before the banned time goes into effect, and then take them out for drinking during the festive time, he said."

So what is the point of the ban then?

Edited December 9, 2014 by Bluespunk

[Bobobirdiebuddy]

What tripe. Is there anyplace where adults who are in charge blather nonsense like Thailand? It beggars belief.

[lostinisaan]

However Dr Samarn assured, however, he proposed only banning of bad teachers, but did not prohibit students from getting to the next grade.

Why does it smell so fishy?.

[siampolee]

Interesting idea,

However perhaps a look back in history to the time of American prohibition and its subsequent delights and entertainment value along with business opportunities might well be a salutary lesson regarding the banning of alcohol sales etc.

He said that the proposal would likely not come out in time for this year’s New Year holidays as the Alcohol Beverages Committee is planning to meet to consider the measures on December 19.

Furthermore, if the committee endorses the measures, then the proposal will have to be presented to the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee which is chaired by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha for approval.

“There are many different views on the issue at the moment. We will for the time being listen to all comments and opinions before making a decision.”

Under Dr Samarn proposal, violator faces six month imprisonment and a fine of a maximum 10,000 baht. The proposal intends to tackle sellers, not customers, he said.

However president of the Medical Council Prof Dr Sonsaj Loleka said no countries has ever come out with such proposal, no matter they be the United States or Japan.

They seriously tackle drunk drivers with heavy punishment outright and booking their records for life, he said.

For Thailand, he said it was the matter of no serious enforcement of laws that resulted in all measures becoming ineffective.

They seriously tackle drunk drivers with heavy punishment outright and booking their records for life, he said.

For Thailand, he said it was the matter of no serious enforcement of laws that resulted in all measures becoming ineffective.

For Thailand, he said it was the matter of no serious enforcement of laws that resulted in all measures becoming ineffective.

Edited December 9, 2014 by siampolee

[grantbkk]

Even the Doctor of Idiotic Proposals is beginning to dial it back. Makes no sense and creates a chaotic situation for businesses and tourist. Perhaps make a law that allows sales to any customer who brings a beach umbrella. Maybe this is just bad translation. With all due respect, could anyone be this stupid?

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

1. I vote for banning Dr Samarn for liftime in all Thai media.

Edited December 9, 2014 by HiSoLowSoNoSo

[Boxclever]

I think it's a good idea. Get's rid of all the undesirable drunks with one stroke of a pen. Imagine how many pimp bars would close down over night. Bring it on I say

[aaacorp]

If the goal is to avoid road killing, why not....enforce the law???

[smedly]

1. I vote for banning Dr Samarn for liftime in all Thai media.

I vote for immediate sacking for gross stupidity - he is not fit for purpose

[Bluespunk]

I think it's a good idea. Get's rid of all the undesirable drunks with one stroke of a pen. Imagine how many pimp bars would close down over night. Bring it on I say

I'm guessing none.

One night won't be enough to close down any bar, unless they are on the verge of collapse already.

What's a desirable drunk by the way and why will this ban not get rid of them?

[siampolee]

Boxclever post # 10

I think it's a good idea. Get's rid of all the undesirable drunks with one stroke of a pen. Imagine how many pimp bars would close down over night. Bring it on I say

Ease off my good man.where are the Hi So's going to be able to congregate if their venues are closed..

What will happen to the good Mr Chalerm if alcohol sales are stopped?

Anyone for a Red Bull hangover cure if of course Red Hull heir hair of the dog can be found?

Beware the knock on the door in the middle of the night concerning your comments .Might be a Chalerm boy looking for some fun

Edited December 9, 2014 by siampolee

[lostinisaan]

I think it's a good idea. Get's rid of all the undesirable drunks with one stroke of a pen. Imagine how many pimp bars would close down over night. Bring it on I say

Can't imagine all the bar stool acrobats from various foreign countries at Nana's bars without their needed gasoline. But wait, it's allowed to drink.

"Let's go to my guesthouse and have a glass of beer" will be enough to attract the best looking girls from the third gender agenda..

But it wouldn't really make a huge difference, would it? Hicks.-

[smedly]

If the goal is to avoid road killing, why not....enforce the law???

that is the job of the police to enforce traffic laws

[DaveE13]

I think it's a good idea. Get's rid of all the undesirable drunks with one stroke of a pen. Imagine how many pimp bars would close down over night. Bring it on I say

But you will get all the undesirables wandering around the streets drinking (see Russians Pattaya) pre 31st December shop bought. Good Idea more punch ups in the streets!

[smedly]

I think it's a good idea. Get's rid of all the undesirable drunks with one stroke of a pen. Imagine how many pimp bars would close down over night. Bring it on I say

maybe you and him can be locked up in the clever room for conditioning - it seems both of you are in need

[Rob8891]

The good doctor has clearly spread doom, despondency and desperation through (at least part of) the ThaiVisa community.... No doubt alcohol sales will skyrocket in the short term as members try to steady their shattered nerves. Two or three days without beer???

[Rob8891]

If the goal is to avoid road killing, why not....enforce the law???

that is the job of the police to enforce traffic laws

Please don't tell them....you'll only upset them. Work? Moi??

[NongKhaiKid]

"However Dr Samarn assured, however, he proposed only banning of sales but did not prohibit drinking.

Customers still can buy before the banned time goes into effect, and then take them out for drinking during the festive time, he said."

So what is the point of the ban then?

Thainess at its very best or should that be worst ?

Good to know the country has such outstanding leaders.

[jaltsc]

"A proposal by the director of the Office of the Alcoholic Beverages Committee Dr Samarn Futrakul to ban all alcohol beverages sales during the New Year holiday and Songkran festival is stiring up outcry with many business operators voicing strong opposition saying that it will severely affect their business and affect tourism."

That would require too many Thais to act like Buddhists for a few days a year. This man is definitely out of touch with reality .

Edited December 9, 2014 by jaltsc

[bubba]

Well, we could all go to a Muslim country like Malaysia or UAE or Oman where you will still be able to toast in the New Year at a pub.

Incredibly, Thailand's take on alcohol is becoming even more fundamentalist than many Islamic states.

[wilcopops]

what is most worrying about this "idea" is that someone in a position of power had it at all.

It is SO obviously not going to achieve its aim - assuming there IS an aim at all - that one has to wonder at the competency of someone who puts forward such an idea.

[dharmabm]

IIRC, wasn't the original announcement a ban on drinking in public, and nothing to do with sales?

[maanoi]

The last paragraph is right on the money

[baboon]

So, just a rehash of the thread of a few days ago. Nothing new.

Must be a slow news day...

[Pinothippy]

what is happening to the land of smiles?

[wilcopops]

Those who think that a ban on alcohol sales will stop people drinking are putting themselves in the same category as those who put forward the idea.

[wilcopops]

"However president of the Medical Council Prof Dr Sonsaj Loleka said no countries has ever come out with such proposal, no matter they be the United States or Japan."

this is the key to the stupidity of this proposal.

​Repeatedly authorities in Thailand seem to come up with these cockamamie ideas in isolation - no research, not even a glance at what other countries do.

​I doubt if they even are are that in UK the accident and death rate over Xmas new year is LOWER than at other times - and the consumption of alcohol and of course sales rockets at that time of year. Maybe - if they spent just one second - they might wonder WHY.

​I find it hard to hide my utter contempt for this example of disgraceful thinking by a member of government.