CityNews – Tassanai Buranupakorn, Mayor of the city of Chiang Mai told CityNews that there will be strict rules and enforcement relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol this Songkran in the city. Three areas will be heavily patrolled by authorities: the moat, Tha Pae Gate and Three Kings Monument.
Any stalls or businesses illegally selling alcohol will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. If a business already has an alcohol license, they are allowed to sell but there will be spot checks throughout the period to make sure that no minors under the age of 18 are sold any alcohol [Ed. We believe the mayor misspoke, as the legal drinking age is 20].
All public areas in the aforementioned zones are alcohol free, not only are sales prohibited, but it is prohibited to bring in alcohol from the outside. The rules are very clear, said the mayor, no alcohol at all in these areas.
There are concerns, continued the mayor, that after authorities sign off from duty in the evenings and at night, there will be drunken behaviour. He therefore asks all business owners to please sell alcohol responsibly and to also set an example to all foreigners as to how to play Songkran in a more traditional and less aggressive manner so that everyone can have a safe and fun time.