LAW CHANGES UNNECESSARY, SAYS PANEL

Young people need to be educated about the dangers of alcohol abuse, the
chairman of a panel tasked with changing drug-related laws said yesterday.

Interior Minister Purachai Piamsomboon said new laws were unnecessary.

Revolutionary Order No 294 was enough to keep children away from alcoholic
beverages and cigarettes.

The order prohibits selling or giving alcohol, cigarettes or other
addictive drugs to a minor, or encouraging a minor to drink liquor, smoke
or take any addictive drug, except under medical supervision.

The committee would concentrate on educating the young about the perils of
alcohol, so they would be properly prepared, he said.

"A grown-up should teach them how to drink safely. For example, they should
avoid drinking on an empty stomach.

"And people under 20 shouldn't be allowed to enter nightspots.

"We should work on this rather than issuing new laws," he said.

New regulations, to be enforced after cabinet endorsement, would make
entertainment places off-limits to people under 20, part of measures to
prevent drug abuse by youngsters.

Staff would be required to check ID of visitors or face hefty fines.

Mr Purachai said the panel was also considering changing the law to allow
police to make official use of vehicles seized in drug cases.

A draft amendment zoning of nightspots was now being reviewed and the panel
would decide on June 20 if further changes were needed.