Bangkok, Dec 20 (IANS): Thailand's committee for National Alcohol Beverage Control has scrapped a proposal to ban all alcohol sales during New Year and Songkran holidays, a media report said Saturday.
Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin said the proposal required a more in-depth study and an intensive review as it would impact a large number of people, Bangkok Times reported.
It also needs a thorough public opinion survey, the minister said.
The move came after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said last week that there would be no ban on alcohol consumption in public places during the upcoming New Year holidays.
Prayuth said all rules have to be practical, suggesting stricter measures with the existing rules.
The prime minister, however, did warn people not to drink and drive.
The Department of Disease Control had proposed Dec 3, a ban on alcohol sales Dec 31 and Jan 1 and during Songkran April 13-15.