In preparation for the New Year 2025 celebrations, Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin has unveiled four measures aimed at reducing alcohol-related road accidents, a leading cause of holiday injuries and fatalities. Approved by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee, the measures encompass stricter law enforcement, public education campaigns, community-based prevention efforts, and tighter oversight of alcohol sales.
The announcement follows alarming statistics, including 4,777 road accidents linked to drunk driving and 3,370 cases of intoxication identified from 23,902 alcohol screenings conducted at community checkpoints. These numbers highlight the urgent need for regulatory action during high-risk periods like the New Year holiday.
Discussions during the committee meeting also addressed alcohol-related policy proposals, such as lifting the alcohol ban at railway stations and on trains, and the recent approval for alcohol sales and consumption within hotel guest rooms by the Thai Hotels Association. Additionally, legislative amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2008 are under review by the Subcommittee on Legislative Drafting and Revision.
The measures aim to mitigate risks associated with alcohol consumption, ensuring safer roads and public spaces as Thailand prepares for its festive season.
