Bangkok: Civil society groups are sounding the alarm over anticipated high rates of drunk driving and brawls during the upcoming Songkran festival in 2026. They are urging the Excise Department to take decisive action against unlicensed and hawker vendors and are appealing to sellers to embrace social responsibility to enhance public safety.
According to Thai News Agency, a coalition of civil society groups, led by Mr. Chuwit Chanthorn from the Alcohol Harm Prevention Network, submitted a formal letter to Dr. Pornchai Theeravech, Director-General of the Excise Department. The letter expressed concerns about the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages, particularly in water-playing areas during Songkran. The coalition, which included over 60 representatives from various networks, symbolically simulated the illegal sale of beer to highlight the issue. Ms. Sirihen Sirisawat, Director of the Standards and Development of Tax Collection Division 1, received the letter on behalf of the Director-General.
Mr. Chuvit highlighted that rising oil prices, exacerbated by conflict in the Middle East, have increased the cost of living, affecting travel plans for many during Songkran. He noted that while new water-playing areas may open to accommodate locals, this could lead to violations of alcohol control laws, jeopardizing public safety. The recently amended Alcohol Control Act imposes heavier penalties for such violations, and Mr. Chuvit urged agencies to publicize and enforce these laws strictly.
Drunk driving incidents are expected to rise on secondary roads and in community areas due to reduced travel caused by increased fuel costs. Additionally, drunken brawls and sexual assaults may increase as people engage in water-related activities without proper regulation. Local vendors are reportedly planning to illegally sell alcohol on roadsides, and authorities are urged to take action to prevent this.
Mr. Teerapat Kahawong from the Partnership for Prevention and Reduction of the Impact of Alcoholic Beverages emphasized the legal repercussions of selling alcohol without a license. Penalties include fines and imprisonment under the Excise Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. The network proposed several measures to enhance enforcement and public awareness, including stricter inspections, confiscation of illegally sold alcohol, and educational campaigns for vendors on the law.
Ms. Sirihen Sirisawat assured that the Excise Department is committed to enforcing the law and will intensify public awareness efforts during the Songkran festival. Officers will be on-site to ensure compliance with the Excise Act and related laws, with the aim of maintaining public safety and order.