BANGKOK, 12 February 2014 The Royal Thai Police has stressed that the nationwide alcohol ban will be imposed on the upcoming Makha Bucha Day while warning vendors and drunk drivers of serious legal penalties.
Deputy National Police Spokesperson Pol Col Witchayakorn Nichabaworn stated that sales of alcohol would be prohibited across the country this Makha Bucha Day, February 14, in compliance with the announcement of the Office of the Prime Minister. Cooperation has been sought from entertainment venues and retail stores to refrain from selling all kinds of alcoholic beverages on the day; exceptions are applied to hotels, however. The operator of the place where violations are found will be subject to a maximum jail term of 6 months and/or a fine of no more than 10,000 baht.
Sobriety checkpoints will also be set up on main roads in order to clamp down on people driving under the influence. If any drunk driving is found, the police will try to track down the vendor responsible.
As Makha Bucha Day this year will coincide with Valentine’s Day, the police are on guard against sex crimes, especially ones involving children and youth. Security measures are being raised at risk-prone places, such as entertainment venues, hotels and public parks.
