BANGKOK, 4 April 2013 The Culture Ministry is launching alcohol-free campaigns during Songkran Festival, with an aim to reduce accidents and crimes as well as to raise awareness of health problems caused by drinking.
According to Culture Minister Sonthaya Khunpluem, the ministry is cooperating with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation in promoting alcohol-free activities throughout the country, especially in areas where Thais and tourists celebrate the festival. The ministry is trying to reduce the number of accidents and deaths during the festive season, which is usually higher than at any other time of the year; given water splashing, which is the main activity during the Songkran celebration, can easily lead to accidents.
The campaign will be promoted in several major provinces, including Chiang Mai, Chanthaburi, Mahasarakham, Ang Thong, and Bangkok.
According to the survey conducted by the Stop Drinking Network, 86 percent of the people said they wanted a strict ban on alcohol sales areas where Songkran was celebrated, while 82 percent of the respondents wanted the government to ban drinking nationwide during the festival.
