The PPP have backed away from their proposed ban on alcohol sales for Loi Krathong, Christmas, and New Years, despite polls attesting to the popularity of this ruling. Bar owners and 7/11s throughout Thailand are ecstatic.
“Drinks for all my friends.” As Mickey Rourke says in the movie BARFLY.
Public Health Minister Chalerm Yubamrung was not happy with this decision, but admitted that a ban of booze throughout the holidays could seriously damage business prospects for the high season, which is already threatened by the worldwide economic collapse.
In actuality the poll which the minister quoted for support of his plan came from people agreeing that the major cause of traffic accidents in Thailand are alcohol-related and over half of those polled agreed with the nationwide ban.
So Chalerm is acting on the behalf of 5000 polled Bangkokians to push through this system.
Democracy at work.
Chalerm plans to enact the ban next year.
As if he’ll still be in office.
Now if they can only do something about the stupid drug laws.