Wednesday, March 13, 2024
In a significant move to enhance public safety and reduce the incidences of road accidents, Thailand has announced a rigorous enforcement of an alcohol ban at all venues celebrating the Songkran festival, the country’s traditional New Year celebration.
The ban is part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting a safer environment during this widely celebrated festival, known for its vibrant water-splashing events, which symbolize cleansing and renewal.
The Songkran festival, officially observed from April 13 to 17, attracts both locals and tourists with its exuberant celebrations. However, this year, to further boost tourism and extend the festive joy, the “World Songkran Festival” will be held from April 1 to 21. During this period, the authorities have pledged to ensure that all festival venues across the nation are completely alcohol-free.
This zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol at Songkran venues is part of the national alcoholic beverage control scheme for 2022-27, which aims to reduce the number of casualties resulting from road accidents, often attributed to drunk driving. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew emphasized the critical need for these measures, highlighting the approval of alcohol control guidelines suggested by the Department of Disease Control and other related organizations.
Statistics from the previous year’s festival period (April 11-17) paint a grim picture, with road accidents resulting in 4,340 casualties, including 252 fatalities. Alarmingly, 502 of those affected were under 20 years of age, underscoring the urgency of stricter controls. It was noted that most accidents occurred on secondary roads, further stressing the importance of widespread enforcement across various locales.
To combat the issue, the committee chaired by Dr. Cholnan has called upon provincial governors and local authorities to establish alcohol-free zones specifically for festival-goers. Moreover, efforts will be intensified to prevent underage access to alcohol and to ensure that sales comply with permitted hours.
Preventive measures will see a significant ramp-up, including the strengthening of local community initiatives against drunk driving and the enhancement of road checkpoints. Those involved in road accidents will be subject to breathalyzer or blood tests, with a particular focus on motorists under 20. If found driving with a blood alcohol level exceeding 20 milligrammes, investigations will be conducted to trace and prosecute the sellers of the alcohol.
Furthermore, individuals on probation for drunk-driving related offences, caught repeating the offense, will face immediate rehabilitation at facilities operated by the Ministry of Public Health. This comprehensive approach reflects Thailand’s commitment to curbing drunk driving and ensuring the safety of all participants during the Songkran festival, a time of joy and renewal. The country’s efforts to create a safer, alcohol-free environment for this significant cultural event could serve as a model for combining tradition with public health and safety measures.
Tags: songkran festival, Songkran Travel, Thailand, Travel
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