BANGKOK, 23 April 2015 – The Ministry of Public Health concludes that more than 700 people have been apprehended for alcohol law violations during the past 21 days since the lead-up to the Songkran holiday.
Public Health Minister Dr Rajata Rajatanavin has announced the results of the government’s enforcement of the Alcohol Control Act 2008 seven days before, seven days during and seven days after the Songkran Festival. During the period, the Office of the Alcohol Control Committee dispatched its staff to 52 provinces to conduct 2,464 inspections at retail shops and celebration venues.
Dr Rajata said a total of 747 arrests were made. The largest number or 269 of the culprits were charged with advertisement of alcoholic beverages which carries a jail term of up to one year and/or a fine of up to 500,000 baht. Other violations included sale and consumption of alcohol in prohibited places, sale in prohibited hours, sale without a license and sale to minors.
The Public Health Minister affirmed that, although Songkran has ended, the anti-alcohol campaign will carry on, especially on major public holidays, and inspection will be intensified in a bid to minimize accidents and casualties from drunk driving.
