Proposed Songkran alcohol ban may apply to Thais only
Alcohol Sales Banned on Songkran Holidays
Thailand Outlook Channel News TOC 25 February 2009 The unofficial word is out. Alcohol sales are to be banned on Songkran Holidays from the 13th to the 15th of April this year.

Public Health Minister said the ban may be limited to certain areas with high risk and only during certain time frames.
In addition, the Public Health Ministry has found L&M cigarettes guilty of false advertisement on its packages, and put a 1-month deadline on the company to recall its products or else face fines of up to 400,000 baht.
The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control director Samarn Futrakul said that after receiving suggestions from consultants of the Public Health Ministry, the office has unofficially decided that alcohol sales, only to Thai consumers, would be banned from April 13th to 15th this year.
Meanwhile, sales to foreign consumers will be allowed as usual. Director Samarn said Public Health Minister Wittaya Kaewpradai will review the policies before making the official announcement.
Moreover, roadblocks to arrest drunk drivers were found to be effective in reducing motor accidents during the holidays. Alcohol sales in areas where the most motor vehicle accidents occur will also be banned around times of heavy traffic. Policies will be evaluated and reviewed for next year.
If the unofficial decision is approved by Minister Wittaya, it still needs to be approved by the National Alcohol Control Policy committee, of which the Prime Minister is Chairman, before it is officially announced by the Office of the Prime Minister.