Photo: Thai PBS
Imagine a totally dry Songkran. Not for lack of water – don’t worry plenty will be sprayed around – but it won’t be a drunken, joyous celebration if a number of temperance groups get their way.
Groups such as the “Youth Network Against New Drinkers” have asked the government to ban alcohol during the holidays ahead to improve road safety.
Teerapat Kahawong, coordinator of the movement, submitted a letter to Excise Department head Somchai Poolsavadi to ban the sale of alcohol during the infamous “seven deadly days’ of Songkran when road fatalities and accidents peak.
They also asked for enforcement of age restrictions, requesting the department to revoke the licenses of anyone selling to underage children.
Which begs the question, could a festival still be a festival without some underage drinking?
