Bangkok: The Social Power Network Foundation and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHPF) are jointly advancing the concept of "Alcohol-Free and Safe Traditional Festivals" to promote a healthy and secure environment. They are collaborating with partners across the nation to design risk-free spaces, aiming to protect children and youth while fostering a sustainable culture of safety.
According to Thai News Agency, the Social Power Network Foundation and ThaiHPF recently organized a workshop titled "Upgrading Traditional Alcohol-Free Festivals and Religious Ceremonies to Reduce Health Risk Factors in Areas." This workshop served as a platform for festival organizers, government agencies, and local administrative bodies to share experiences and enhance their efforts towards creating a safe environment beyond just alcohol-free events.
Mr. Pittaya Jinawat, Vice President of the Executive Committee of Plan 1 at ThaiHPF, highlighted the significance of over two decades of promoting alcohol-free events such as Songkran, boat races, and religious ceremonies. These initiatives have successfully created safe spaces and revived traditional values. There are now over 300 alcohol-free traditional events and large-scale festivals nationwide, which contribute to reducing accidents, violence, and economic losses. Mr. Jinawat emphasized the need to evolve from mere alcohol-free events to developing "healthy ecosystems" by modifying environments, values, rules, and policies to ensure safety, particularly for children and youth.
Mr. Wisanu Sritawong, Chairman of the Social Power Network Foundation, stressed that the initiative to make festivals alcohol-free should extend beyond the events themselves. Municipalities, event organizers, and partner networks are encouraged to collaborate in surveying data, designing regulations, and reviewing past efforts. This approach aims to engage children, youth, families, and the broader public, utilizing cultural resources to drive change.
Lessons from the field reveal successful community collaboration in designing and implementing initiatives. Mr. Nisit Songsri, Deputy Municipal Clerk of Chiang Mai, noted preparations to promote the Yi Peng festival under the "Alcohol-Free and Safe" approach, focusing on cultural management and public awareness campaigns. This strategy has gradually influenced local behavior and increased cooperation among communities and businesses.
Mr. Montri Meesungnoen, Director of the Education, Religion, and Culture Promotion Division of Sakon Nakhon Municipality, shared that their safe and alcohol-free zones during festivals have transformed the city atmosphere, creating a lively environment that extends late into the night. This initiative, based on the concept of "City of Three Virtues," has become a shared practice in the area, demonstrating the power of community involvement.
Ms. Suppannika Sangwon, Head of the Service and Academic Dissemination Division of Tak Municipality, described efforts to enhance the Loy Krathong festival by creating an alcohol-free, safe, and joyful space. The initiative involves collaboration from nearly 30 organizations, including local administration and educational institutions, leading to orderly and suitable events for all ages.
Network partners have collectively committed to transforming traditional festivals into safe spaces, preserving cultural values, and reducing risk factors like alcohol and drugs. The initiative aims to use traditional religious ceremonies as a catalyst for change, adjusting values and community environments to create safe spaces and a healthy ecosystem, especially for children and youth.