As the clock approaches midnight on December 31, 2023, a vibrant throng gathers in front of the glittering facade of CentralWorld shopping center in Bangkok, their breath clouding the cool evening air with anticipation. This New Year’s Eve promises more than just a countdown; it heralds an unprecedented change in the alcohol policies that will cater to the festive spirit.
In a groundbreaking announcement by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, hotel guests throughout Bangkok will enjoy the privilege of ordering alcoholic beverages from in-house bars and restaurants around the clock during the New Year’s festivities. This newly minted rule, approved under the guidance of Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, flips the usual constraints on their head, allowing revelers to toast the occasion long past the usual curfews. Ordinarily, ordering drinks from an in-house restaurant is curbed at 10 p.m., with a small extension to 2 a.m. if sourced from the hotel bar.
This regulatory relaxation aligns splendidly with the allure of midnight toasts and after-parties that characterize New Year celebrations. The decision, spurred by a request from the Thai Hotels Association (THA), promises hotels bustling with guests making the most of their stays, reveling in the festive atmosphere uninhibited by time constraints. Though the chock-full mini-bars in rooms have always offered a semblance of this freedom, the extended service widens the horizon for merry-making.
Yet, not all venues were granted this liberalization. The board firmly declined a separate plea from the State Railways of Thailand (SRT) that sought similar leniency for trains. Citing concerns over potential upticks in crime and threats to passenger safety, Mr. Somsak held the line. Still, he opened the door a crack, suggesting that first-class sleeper, dining cars, and chartered trains might one day fill with the clinking of glasses, provided a careful study supports such a change.
The conversation around alcohol policy during this festive period dovetails with broader concerns about safety, particularly on the roads. Past New Year’s celebrations have borne witness to troubling statistics, like the 4,777 unfortunate incidents of road users injured due to drunk driving and the 3,370 motorists booked for intoxication at checkpoints nationwide.
To counteract these grim figures, the board has asked subdistrict health promotion hospitals to spearhead awareness campaigns, emphasizing stringent consequences for violators and arming communities with guidelines to avert such tragedies. Additionally, local hospitals are now collaborating with administrative organizations, crafting tailored strategies to prevent drinking drivers, particularly urging parents to keep a watchful eye on family members who might risk hitting the road after a drink or two.
The comprehensive approach to road safety, explained by Dr. Panumas Yanwetsakul, the head of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), rolls out across three well-plotted stages. These stages involve preemptive campaigns to dissuade drunk driving, diligent monitoring during the festivities, and meticulous post-celebration reviews, ensuring that lessons learned pave the way for even safer celebrations in the future.
As the sun rises on the New Year, this innovative twist in tradition and regulation aims not only to enhance the joy that accompanies new beginnings but also ensures that these celebrations uphold both safety and delight.
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