Polathep Vichitkunakorn

MD PhD (Epidemiology), Director of Centre for Alcohol Studies, Thailand | Assist. Dean of Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla Uni

[The Pattaya News Thailand @The_PattayaNews]

Pattaya Public Health Office Launches “Rest Your Liver, Abstain from Alcohol For The Next Three Months During Buddhist Lent” Campaign

PATTAYA – The Substance Addiction Treatment Division under the Disease Control Section of the Pattaya City Office of Public Health and Environment has organized a special activity titled “Invite to Rest the Liver, Abstain from Alcohol During Buddhist Lent” at Pattaya City Hall.

Organizers explained the serious health risks associated with alcohol consumption. Regular and heavy drinking can lead to a range of diseases, including cirrhosis of the liver, chronic alcoholism, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, stroke, and high blood pressure. Prolonged excessive intake severely damages nearly every organ system in the body.

With the arrival of Buddhist Lent, officials are urging residents to seize this meaningful opportunity to make a positive change. “This Buddhist Lent, give yourself the chance to start anew by reducing, abstaining from, or quitting alcohol entirely,” the campaign message states. “Do it for stronger health, a clearer mind, and the happiness of those you love. Great change begins with the decision you make today.”

The initiative invites the public to join the “Abstain from Alcohol During Buddhist Lent” campaign. By committing to three months without drinking, participants can take the first step toward better health, lower expenses, fewer accidents, and a safer community for everyone.

[The Straits Times @straits_times]

Thailand to enforce alcohol sales ban during Buddhist holidays on July 29, 30 https://t.co/cPkQAgN70l

[The Japan Times @japantimes]

Thailand kicks off its yearly campaign to encourage people to give up alcohol during Khao Phansa, a three-month period of reflection observed by Buddhists akin to Christian Lent. https://t.co/7wnGEoRV81

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

From #CDoH to policy action.

Thailand loses ~THB 1.6 trillion/year from NCDs. Health taxes on alcohol, tobacco, sugary drinks & high-sodium foods can deliver a “double dividend”: better health + public revenue.

@WHOThailand @WHOSEARO
https://t.co/tW5g9Qcxmg

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

Alcohol is more than individual choice—it is shaped by commercial and policy environments.

CAS Thailand joined the 24th National Health Conference on #CDoH: “Sweet, Salty, Alcohol & Smoke,” with Dr Olivia Nieveras, Dr Suwajee Good, @WHO Thailand & @WHOSEARO .

#AlcoholPolicy

[Thenationthailand @Thenationth]

Non-communicable diseases cost Thailand THB1.6 trillion annually, with 1 in 6 teenagers now obese and nearly 20% smoking. Medical experts are urging the government to hike taxes on sugary foods, alcohol, and tobacco to protect young people.

#ThaiYouth #NCDs #ChildObesity #Malnutrition #PublicHealth #Wellness #TheNationThailand

Read more : https://t.co/p21nc6itNE

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

Thailand’s “No Alcohol During Buddhist Lent” campaign still matters. Exposure was associated with a 2.50–4.07× greater likelihood of abstaining.
@thaihealth
#AlcoholPolicy #PublicHealth

[Thenationthailand @Thenationth]

The Royal Thai Police have reminded members of the public and businesses nationwide that the sale of all alcoholic beverages is prohibited on Asalha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day in 2026.

The two-day restriction begins at 12.01am on Wednesday (July 29) and ends at midnight at the close of Thursday (July 30).

Shops, convenience stores and ordinary restaurants must suspend alcohol sales unless they qualify for an exemption under the law.

#TheNationThailand #TheNation #PublicSafety #AsalhaBuchaDay #AlcoholControl

Read more: https://t.co/imASCtXHBa

[ThaiHealth @thaihealth]

"แอลกอฮอล์เป็นปัจจัยเสี่ยง ด้านพฤติกรรมอันดับ 1 ทำให้คนไทยสูญเสียปีสุขภาวะ 6.3% รัฐบาลต้องคุมโฆษณากำกับแพลตฟอร์มดิจิทัล และไม่แลกสุขภาพกับเศรษฐกิจ"
.
ศ.ดร.นพ.พลเทพ วิจิตรคุณากร
ผู้อำนวยการศูนย์วิจัยปัญหาสุรา (ศวส.)
.
#สสส #สื่อสารสุข #thaihealth #ลดเสี่ยงลดโรค

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

Our research is helping translate evidence into Thailand’s alcohol policy, including the development of eight subordinate regulations under the revised Alcohol Control Act.

Research should not end with publication—it should inform policy and protect public health.

[Hfocus_News @hfocusnews]

สวรส. วิจัยพัฒนาข้อเสนอเชิงนโยบาย หนุน ‘ทำกฎหมายลูก 8 ฉบับ’ คุมน้ำเมา พร้อมชงเข้า ‘บอร์ดแอลกอฮอล์’

https://t.co/WVVy8FVCHG

#Hfocus #แอลกอฮอล์ #พรบคุมน้ำเมา #สวรส. #บอร์ดแอลกอฮอล์
#ข่าวสาธารณสุข #ข่าวสุขภาพ

[Thenationthailand @Thenationth]

Bangkok police raided an illegal Huai Khwang pub allegedly focused on drug sales, seizing narcotics, assets and arresting 11 suspects. #Bangkok #pub #drug

https://t.co/EGwzHaBctb

[Thai PBS World @ThaiPBSWorld]

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered all district chiefs to conduct nightly inspections of entertainment venues and restaurants in their jurisdictions which provide live music and serve alcohol, to ensure that they are strictly complying with safety standards or close them immediately if they fail.

Read the full story via this link: https://t.co/OR27W0RWix

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

CAS in the media | With HSRI support, CAS has developed proposals for eight secondary regulations under Thailand’s updated alcohol control law—aimed at stronger protection for children, young people, non-drinkers, and public health.
https://t.co/FriTvkPFVQ

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

Alcohol is Thailand’s No. 1 behavioural risk factor, accounting for 6.3% of total health loss.

CAS calls for stronger marketing controls, regulation of digital alcohol sales, and economic policies that put public health first.

https://t.co/rBvdK1dJwz

#AlcoholPolicy #Thailand

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

นักวิชาการเสนอคุมสุรา-ยาสูบ ดูแลสุขภาพคนไทย พบสูบบุหรี่ไฟฟ้า-นักดื่มเพิ่ม | TheCoverage https://t.co/rDuBoTcrKS

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

My latest research using nationally representative NHES 2024–2025 data (n=25,495) found e-cigarette use was highest among men aged 20–29 (13.4%). Notably, 30.1% of users had never smoked cigarettes and 44.3% were dual users.

https://t.co/Cu8NTPjaBk

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

Khon Kaen reports Thailand’s highest alcohol consumption prevalence at 64.1%.

CAS–PSU convened the Northeastern Regional Alcohol Conference to advance safer tourism and evidence-informed alcohol policy.

#CASPSU #AlcoholPolicy

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

On 29 June 2026, great discussions at the Southern Regional Alcohol Conference 2026, organized by Centre for Alcohol Studies (CAS), @thaihealth , on evidence-based alcohol policy, safer tourism, and healthier communities.

#AlcoholPolicy #PublicHealth #CASPSU

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

The 5th paper from the ASEAN Alcohol Policy Research Network, coordinated by CAS, PSU, with Jürgen Rehm & Kevin D. Shield (@CAMHnews ). Analysis of 10 ASEAN countries (2000–2022): economic growth does not require increased alcohol consumption. https://t.co/eMmVFt6FA8

[Polathep Vichitkunakorn @polathep_v]

On 16 Jun 2026, Centre for Alcohol Studies joined a stakeholder meeting on Thailand’s alcohol sales-hour policy and the 180-day evaluation of 14–17:00 sales.

Study by @HITAP_Thailand , supported by HSRI.

Monitoring should track sales, alcohol content, harms, and enforcement.