BANGKOK, 8 June 2012 – Networks of youths and social activists have asked the government to strictly enforce alcohol bans in university dorms, saying many dormitories are registered as mansions or apartments in order to be able to sell alcohol freely.
Over 30 students and activists yesterday submitted an open letter to the Office of Welfare Promotion, Protection and Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups (OPP), under the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, asking for stricter law enforcement on the dormitory registration.
The group said out of 60,000 dormitories in Thailand, only 18,000 are registered as dormitories, the rest use the legal loopholes and registered as mansions or apartments. Not being classified as dormitories, grocery shops under the buildings are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages.
The OPP responded by saying it will discuss with the Excise Department and related agencies about the laws concerning the matter. It promised to also campaign against the sale of alcoholic beverages around academic institutions and in apartments near them.
