Proposed Alcohol Availability on Buddhist Holidays
In March 2025, Thailand’s government proposed a significant negative shift in its alcohol policy. According to Bangkok Post reporting, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee recommended limited alcohol sales on five major Buddhist holidays. These sales would be permitted in designated venues such as international airports, nightlife establishments, hotels, tourist sites, and national event locations. The recommendation to make alcohol much more available was sold as effort to support tourism – a typical alcohol industry talking point.
Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced that the change could take effect as early as Visakha Bucha Day on May 11.
This move follows an earlier directive from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who asked authorities to review how the alcohol sales ban during Buddhist holidays and the 2–5pm sales limits affected tourism. According to the Bangkok Post, the proposal is currently undergoing a 15-day public hearing period before being passed to the Minister of Public Health and the Prime Minister for approval.
Rising Concerns Ahead of Songkran: Civil Society Responds
Following these developments, civil society organisations, including Stop Drink Network, a Movendi International member organisation, have raised serious concerns about the consequences of downgrading and worsening Thailand’s world class alcohol policy, particularly as the Songkran festival approaches.
Songkran, also known as Songkran Festival, is Thailand’s New Year’s national holiday. Songkran is on 13 April every year, but the holiday period extends from 14 to 15 April.
Bangkok Post reports that the Alcohol Prevention Network and its partners organised a seminar titled “Expanding Drinking Zones vs Increased Risks During Songkran.”
During the seminar, Wisanu Sritawong, chair of the Social Synergy Network Foundation, warned that increasing alcohol availability could lead to more harm during Songkran festivities, such as higher levels of alcohol use, violence, and sexual harassment.
These concerns are supported by evidence gathered from a survey conducted across 20 provinces:
- 81% of respondents supported banning alcohol use during Songkran to reduce violent crime,
- 87% believed alcohol-free Songkran would help reduce sexual harassment, and
- 82% stated it would NOT deter tourists.
Existing Burden of Alcohol Harm in Thailand
Thailand is already facing a heavy burden of harm due to alcohol. Alcohol remains a major risk factor for road traffic injuries, violence, and non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, across the country. According to Movendi International,
- Over 70,000 deaths annually in Thailand are due to alcohol-related causes.
- Nearly 60% of men and 25% of women in Thailand consume alcohol regularly.
Furthermore, children from families with alcohol problems and people with alcohol use disorder are disproportionately affected, often left without adequate support or protection. These harms highlight the urgent need for evidence-based alcohol policies to promote health and increase public safety.
Lessons from Past Events and Global Research
Civil society also referenced last year’s Songkran on Silom Road, where proactive safety measures were implemented. These included emergency lanes and accountability placed on private businesses for alcohol-related incidents. Advocates say this approach should be a model going forward, rather than expanding alcohol availability.
Experts echoed these concerns. Dr Udomsak Saengow, from Walailak University’s School of Medicine, warned that making alcohol more available signals insufficient law enforcement. He cited research from Western Australia, where hotels with extended alcohol sale hours experienced a threefold increase in physical assault reports. In Norway, a one-hour extension in alcohol sales led to a 13–22% increase in assaults across 18 cities.
Dr Udomsak emphasised that not all tourists engage in alcohol use and that the safety risks posed by increased alcohol availability could harm Thailand’s international reputation.
Public Sentiment Opposes Policy Change
Public concern is widespread. According to a nationwide survey of 2,552 people in March 2025, 70% expressed concern about the government’s push to make alcohol more available.
Additionally, three parliamentary committees, on Tourism and Sports, Social Development, and Public Health, are now studying a newly approved bill that includes lifting alcohol advertising limits on alcoholic products.
Why Communities Want Alcohol Policy to Remain a Priority
Community groups, including Movendi International members, and alcohol policy advocates stress that expanding alcohol availability during national holidays and festivals, especially in the name of tourism, ignores both public sentiment and scientific evidence.
These policy changes risk fueling violence, sexual harassment, and other harms linked with alcohol. Thailand has an opportunity to set an international example by protecting people from harm and prioritising safety over short-term economic interests.
Sources
Bangkok Post: “New booze rules raise alarm“
Bangkok Post: “Thailand proposes limited alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays“