Booze laws ‘flouted over holiday’

Sales of alcoholic beverages to underage buyers and illegal promotion of alcoholic beverages were apparent during the Songkran holidays, says StopDrink Network, an NGO-run alcohol watch organisation.

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

Major alcoholic brands in Thailand organised various promotional events including concerts or sales booths at 137 or more locations nationwide, said Teera Watcharapranee, director of StopDrink Network.

Of the 137 spots, 42 were areas allocated as water fighting zones on the street or the beach, 60 were entertainment venues, and the other locations were concert venues and department stores. These activities violated alcohol control and excise tax laws, he said.