Rail ale rally: Bangkok victims group derails alcohol repeal bid

Over 50 members of the Bangkok Drunk Driving Victims Network, led by President Jessada Yamsabai, submitted a petition opposing the repeal of the ban on alcohol sales and consumption on trains and at train stations to the acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, Jarae Rungthanee.

This petition, submitted yesterday, July 11, follows a tragic 2014 incident where a young girl was sexually assaulted and murdered by an intoxicated railway officer. The incident led to the establishment of the alcohol ban to enhance passenger safety.

The alcohol ban, publicly announced on February 5, 2015, under former Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, aimed to reduce accidents and ensure passenger safety on trains. The Bangkok Drunk Driving Victims Network has consistently advocated for the reduction of alcohol consumption and monitored law enforcement to mitigate its societal impact.

The network strongly opposes the State Railway of Thailand’s proposal to the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee to reconsider the alcohol ban, a move purportedly intended to promote domestic tourism. Jessada highlighted the dangers of lifting the ban, mentioning the potential for increased violence, altercations, and sexual harassment.

“We urge the State Railway of Thailand to maintain the alcohol ban to prevent such incidents.”

The network presented specific requests to the State Railway of Thailand, emphasising the importance of safety over the potential economic benefits of alcohol sales. The requests include:

• Opposing the repeal of the alcohol ban on trains and at train stations to prevent issues like violence and sexual harassment.
• Seeking updates on the support and compensation for the family of the 13 year old victim from the 2014 incident, including psychological rehabilitation efforts.
• Urging the State Railway of Thailand to prioritise improving service quality, safety, and punctuality over promoting alcohol sales.
• Calling for public consultation before making decisions on significant measures to ensure comprehensive consideration.

This opposition from the network comes amid broader governmental efforts to relax alcohol regulations to boost tourism.

Critics argue that increased alcohol availability could lead to higher accident rates and other societal harms. The debate continues as the network stresses the importance of maintaining stringent alcohol regulations to ensure passenger safety and prevent tragic incidents similar to those in the past.