BANGKOK,July 2015 – The Ministry of Public Health is inviting people across the country to sign a pledge to stop drinking alcohol during the upcoming Buddhist Lent period.
At The Mall Shopping Center Ngamwongwan in Nonthaburi province, Minister of Public Health Dr Rajata Rajatanavin and Director-General of the Department of Disease Control Dr Sophon Mekthon together inaugurated an anti-alcohol campaign to mark this year’s No Alcohol Day. Under the slogan “Stop Drinking for Youth and Human Resources Development” granted by the Prime Minister, the event is aimed to promote public recognition of alcohol as a major cause of health problems, violence, accidents and premature death.
In compliance with the Cabinet’s resolution, the No Alcohol Day coincides with Buddhist Lent Day, which this year falls on July 31. Therefore, Dr Rajata encouraged all drinkers to pledge their commitment to refraining from alcohol consumption from now until October 27, when the Buddhist Lent will come to an end. The move is also to honor His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 88th birthday anniversary this December.
People can sign their pledge at local health promotion hospitals, temples, public schools and universities, the village headman’s office, community health centers or on the website www.thaiantialcohol.com. All the names will be presented to His Majesty the King following the Buddhist Lent period.
Other activities featured in the anti-alcohol event include seminars, Dharma talks and exhibitions by various organizations.
