Urge for moderation during retirement festivities
Thai Health Promotion Foundation Launches Campaign for Alcohol-Free Retirement Parties
In a bid to address the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, particularly among older adults, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, in partnership with civic and education organizations, has launched a nationwide campaign encouraging alcohol-free retirement parties for state officials.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Teachers' Network Against Harmful Activities and the StopDrink Network, seeks to redefine the tradition of retirement celebrations by emphasizing safety, health, and respect. According to Aphisa Mahaman, manager of the Teachers' Network, more than 100 organizations, including schools and local administrative bodies, have backed the campaign.
Teera Watcharapranee, director of the StopDrink Network, has stated that both the Interior and Education ministries have endorsed the campaign, issuing circulars urging their agencies to hold alcohol-free events. Mr. Teera also cited the research published in The Lancet Public Health by the World Health Organisation, which states that no level of alcohol consumption is safe, and the IARC classification of alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen directly linked to at least seven types of cancer.
Ms. Aphisa has emphasized that alcohol-free gatherings create a warm and respectful atmosphere that truly honors retiring officials. She has also mentioned that retirement parties where alcohol is served often lead to quarrels, drunk-driving accidents, and other negative outcomes. Moreover, she stated that such incidents not only endanger health and safety but also harm the reputation of public institutions when images of drinking spread online.
Mr. Teera warned that this age group is at risk of long-term health problems due to decades of alcohol use. Among Thais aged 45-59, 41.9% consume alcohol, with 2.8 million identified as regular drinkers. The number of drinkers in Thailand increased from 16 million in 2021 to 20.9 million in 2024, accounting for 35.2% of the population.
With around 10,000 officials retiring from the two ministries this year, Mr. Teera said the move represents a big cultural shift. The extent to which the campaign will be joined by officials remains uncertain. However, the campaign for alcohol-free retirement celebrations aims to shift social norms and encourage safer, more dignified practices across society.
Alcohol is both psychotropic and addictive, as per research. It is a grave concern, according to Mr. Teera. The campaign, therefore, aims to address this concern and promote a healthier, more respectful culture in retirement celebrations.
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