Spirited debate: Health ministry’s alcohol curfew talks hit a hiccup

The Ministry of Public Health held a meeting today, February 15, to deliberate on the potential abolition of the time restriction for alcohol sales, currently set between 11am and 2pm. However, the meeting failed to reach a clear conclusion.

The Public Health Minister, Chonlnan Srikaew, reported that the proposal to cancel the time limit for alcohol sales was submitted to the ministry and the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. Despite objections from various groups, a meeting must be held to explore the possibility of lifting the restrictions.

Cholnan ensured that he and other relevant departments would listen to public opinions and prioritise public health and safety.

The meeting to discuss the topic was held today, February 15, but there was no clear conclusion or direction launched from the authorities.

The Director General of the Disease Control Department, Thongchai Kiratihattayakorn, stated that the ministry had not yet decided on the removal of the time limit. Thongchai said the ministry had only health data but did not have business and economic data, so they were unable to consider the matter thoroughly.

Thongchai also revealed the health data that the ministry had to the media. Thongchai said the number of accidents did not significantly increase after allowing entertainment venues in assigned areas to stay open until 4am.

Nevertheless, accidents related to drunk driving increased by 25% following the extension of opening hours. The majority of such accidents involved Thai citizens, and Thongchai added that 2,000 to 3,000 motorcycle riders and passengers faced accidents due to intoxication.

Thongchai stated that the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission would gather more information related to the matter and submit it to the National Alcohol Policy Committee. Another meeting to discuss the potential cancellation of the limited time is scheduled for February 19.

During today’s meeting, over 500 victims of drunk driving accidents and individuals opposed to the cancellation gathered outside the Ministry of Public Health to protest.

They expressed concerns that the cancellation could lead to an increase in drunk driving incidents and road accidents, and these would later affect the health system and medical workers in the future.