Bangkok, April 5, 2025 – As Thailand gears up for an extended Songkran celebration this year, a coalition of advocacy and activist groups has urged the Thai government to impose a complete ban on alcohol sales during the festival, citing fears of escalating traffic accidents and violence.
The call comes amid growing debate over whether easing alcohol-control laws to boost tourism could lead to dire consequences during the traditional Thai New Year, celebrated from April 13-15 but stretched into a longer “World Songkran Festival” in many areas, like Pattaya.
The Alcohol Prevention Network and the Social Synergy Network Foundation, leading the charge, argue that a total alcohol sales ban is the only way to curb the annual surge in road deaths, physical assaults, and other alcohol-related incidents that mar Songkran’s festivities. Their proposal follows an unscientific survey they conducted last year across 20 provinces, which allegedly found that 81% of respondents favored an alcohol sales ban to reduce violent crime during the holiday.
The push for a total ban contrasts sharply with suggestions from some tourism officials and industry leaders to relax restrictions, such as the current 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. sales blackout, to cater to the influx of tourists expected for the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sport Year 2025.” Critics of stricter controls warn that a blanket prohibition could dampen the festival’s appeal and hurt local businesses, especially with large-scale events like concerts and water fights drawing massive crowds. They also have pointed out it would harm legitimate businesses and force alcohol sales underground and primarily impact tourism areas, where most tourists don’t drive. Additionally, they pointed out many people would just stock up and overwhelm stores ahead of any ban.
Historical data does, however, give some support to the advocates’ concerns. Last year’s Songkran saw hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries nationwide, with drunk driving identified as a leading cause. However, it is worth noting that increasingly the roads are just as dangerous outside of the holiday period as well. Public health expert Dr. Udomsak Saengow of Walailak University pointed to international studies from places like Western Australia, where extending alcohol sale hours led to an alleged 70% spike in assaults, warning that Thailand could face similar risks if regulations loosen. “Songkran is already a perfect storm of celebration and chaos,” he said. “Adding more alcohol to the mix is a recipe for disaster.”
Previous attempts at moderation, such as alcohol-free zones at festival venues, have faltered due to lax enforcement, with vendors often flouting rules and tourists drinking outside of the zones, like Phuket’s famous alcohol free celebration. The advocacy groups argue that only a comprehensive ban—covering all sales, not just specific times or areas—can ensure compliance and protect public safety. “Half-measures don’t work,” the coalition’s spokesperson added. “We need a clear, enforceable policy.”
The government now faces a delicate balancing act. With Songkran’s global profile rising, officials are under pressure to maintain its festive allure while addressing these safety concerns. No official response to the proposed ban has been issued as of today, and quite frankly is unlikely to be given, but the debate is heating up as the holiday approaches.
In reality, despite the pressure of fringe advocacy and activist groups, notes TPN media, it is more likely that a moderate approach focused on road traffic campaigns and enforcement of closing times for alcohol sales venues will take place instead.
For nervous readers and tourists, the chances of a total alcohol sales ban is roughly zero and would be strongly opposed by powerful tourism, business, and hospitality groups. That being said, alcohol has been banned during Songkran before, during the COVID-19 era of 2020 to discourage gatherings and due to many restrictions, but not due to fear of accidents or violence.
Meanwhile, proposals to ease certain alcohol regulations, including the 2-5 alcohol sales ban (which these groups are also against lifting), lifting bans on drinking in tourism areas on religious holidays, and allowing adult alcohol advertising, continue to move forward in Parliament.
