Ban on booze as emergency services brace for accidents

In a bid to reduce deaths from road accidents, authorities yesterday vowed tough action against anyone found violating the ban on selling alcohol over the Songkran festival period.
“We will be more strict in enforcing the ban on alcohol sales. We will push for the prosecution of all violators,’ Disease Control Department director general Pornthep Siriwanarangsan said.
Over the Songkran period last year, road accidents killed 271 people and injured 3,476 others. Alcohol consumption was found to be the most common cause of the accidents.
Pornthep said his department would dispatch teams to survey whether shops at petrol stations and public parks were ignoring the ban.
“We will also check whether shops in other areas are violating the ban on selling alcohol beyond authorised hours,” he said.
Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Paijit Warachit says campaigns to reduce road accidents have proven effective during the past year. Road casualties during the Songkran festival have dropped since 2009, when accidents during the period killed 373 people and injured up to 4,332 others.
Road safety campaigns during Songkran include checkpoints to deter speeding and drunk driving and extra measures to enforce the ban on selling alcohol.
According to a recent Suan Dusit poll, nearly 90 per cent of people are worried about travelling in Songkran for fear of accidents.
Of the 696 residents of Bangkok and adjacent provinces polled, 61 per cent plan to celebrate Songkran upcountry.
“We have medical teams ready to assist people needing emergency medical services,” said Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri.

AMBULANCES ON STAND BY
Secretary-general of the Emergency Medical Institute, Chatree Charoencheewakul said a 122,945-strong workforce was on standby to provide emergency medical services during the Songkran period.
“We also have 14,189 ambulances, 1,128 boats, 101 helicopters, and seven planes for the purpose,” he said.
Chatree said those needing emergency medical aid could call 1669 for help around the clock.
“We have already drawn up a plan to base our teams at crucial spots. We hope we will be able to reach patients needing medical help within 10 minutes for at least 80 in a hundred cases being reported to us,” he said.
Chatree said timely treatment would minimise the risk of permanent disabilities and death.