Public approval for ban on alcohol in national parks

BANGKOK, Dec 19 (TNA) -- The general public have applauded the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation's recent announcement to ban alcohol at all national parks. Dr Thanaphong Jinwong, the manager of the Road Safety Group Thailand (RSG) complimented the recent announcement by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, saying that it will not only help in reducing alcohol related traffic accidents on public roads but also ensure the safety of national park animals as well. He wholeheartedly gave his support for the policy and hoped that the ban will be strictly enforced at all roads in and on the periphery of national parks. Furthermore, he asked both the public and tourists to respect the ban and desist from taking any form of alcohol into national parks. Dr Thanaphong also stressed that park officials be diligent and not allow an carelessness to creep into their responsibilities as they must remember that they were not only looking after the safety of park visitors but also its native animal inhabitants as well. Statistics released by the Ministry of Public Health found that every year in the '7 dangerous days' period during New Year holidays injuries and deaths as a result of drunken driving has climbed from 7,805 to 8,820 - a 13% increase. The worse is on December 29 when holidays begin. On this single day a 33% increase from 816 to 1,089 of injuries from drunken driving has been recorded. The ministry attribute this to the changing habits of the public who are now leaving Bangkok to return to their hometowns much earlier and the 5-10% increase in the use of privately own cars. Chuwit Chantaros, the special coordinator of Alcohol Watch also commended the bravery of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in announcing the ban of alcohol at all national parks. He said that this will directly improve the overall outlook of the country's tourism sector and will ensure the minimum disturbance to the welfare of wildlife as national parks are a favorite holiday destination. (TNA)