Revellers urged to stay off booze

Revellers are being urged to abstain from alcohol while celebrating Loy Krathong tonight in a move to lower the risk of sexual attacks.
“Five years ago, an older friend of mine was sexually attacked and killed on Loy Krathong night,” university student Supapan Pho-ong said yesterday. She was speaking as part of a campaign held by several agencies, including the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.
Songkran Pakchokdee, director of the Stopdrink Network, is also urging organisers of Loy Krathong festivities to avoid selling alcohol in their area so as to reduce the risk of crime.
Suthep Sodchuen, manager of an NGO working on children’s causes, said revellers should protect themselves by staying away from booze and attending events in a group.
According to a recent survey, teenagers and young people choose to get drunk during Loy Krathong in order to attract members of the opposite sex and increase the opportunities for a sexual encounter.
Of the 1,042 respondents, aged between 15 and 25, participating in the survey, 61 per cent said they believed the consumption of alcohol was a key factor in sexual crimes.
“Statistics show 40 per cent of the respondents believe Loy Krathong offers the most opportunities for sex,” Hataitip Chaiyarerk, an anti-drinking campaigner, said.
Valentine’s Day was identified by just 28 per cent of the respondents in terms of sexual opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police Bureau is currently taking several measures to provide safety for people and their properties during the festival.
“Policemen will be positioned at all bridges across the Chao Phraya River,” the police spokesman Maj-General Adul Narongsak said yesterday. He also called on people to alert the police if they see any vendor selling alcohol to youth aged below 20.
“It’s illegal,” he warned.
He also called on people to be cautious about fireworks and ensure they do not harm anybody.
“Vendors who sell fireworks and firecrackers without permit will also face legal action,” he said.