BANGKOK, 14 February 2013 The Public Health Ministry and the Defense Ministry are joining force in a campaign to turn all military camps across the country into an alcohol-free zone.
Permanent Secretary for Public Health Ministry Narong Sahametapat, on Wednesday, joined Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defense Air Chief Marshal Tatchai Dhanadchaipuen, representative of the Supreme Commander Admiral Kraisorn Chansuvanich and other high-ranking officers from the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Air Forces and the Royal Thai Army in the signing of an agreement on intensified control of alcohol drinks at nationwide military camps.
A similar agreement was once inked by the Public Health Ministry, the Defense Ministry and other ministries in 2009 to turn all state offices into alcohol-free zones, except in authorized areas.
While the result of the initial campaign is said to be satisfactory, its effect has not reached the many military camps and military personnel stationed throughout the country, yet.
The 2 ministries hope that the boosted anti-alcohol effort will encourage Thai solders to give up or, at least, cut down on drinking in order that they will become a good role model for people around Thailand.
And as the 2008 Alcohol Control Act will mark its 5th anniversary of implementation on February 14, police officers will step up the clampdown on all violations of this law throughout the country. Anyone found selling, drinking or advertising at banned locations or hours will be subject to a maximum jail term of 1 year or a maximum fine of 500,000 baht or both.
