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Dec 15th, 2001 Bangkok Post

Campaigns aimed at youth, seminar told

The producers of alcoholic beverages are trying every trick in the book to attract young customers, a seminar on teenagers and drinking was told yesterday.

Bang-orn Ritpakdi, of the Health Promotion Fund, said marketing strategies ranging from special promotions to packaging were designed to woo teenagers.

The seminar was aimed at raising awareness of the impact of drinking on teenagers.

Producers also tried to indirectly influence teenagers by being involved in social activities such as sport competitions and charity work.

She cited the recent distribution of blankets to poor people by a local brewer as an example.

Ms Bang-orn said some products were specially made for teenagers, like sweet-tasting low-alcohol fruit juice.

``A survey found this kind of alcoholic beverage would encourage the young to try stronger drinks and become regular drinkers,'' she said.

A campaign to raise awareness was a must even though a law governing the sale of alcoholic beverages was in place, Mrs Bang-orn said.

``The legal measure has not been strictly enforced so far,'' she said.

It is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages to people under 18.

Mayuree Sinuan blamed uncontrolled commercials and easy access to alcoholic beverages for the increased number of underage drinkers.

Mayuree, a Mattayom 1 student from Surasakmontri School and a campaign volunteer, urged authorities to strictly enforce the ban on the sale of alcohol to people aged under 18.

She told the seminar she was fully aware of the impact of drinking.

``My father is a drinker. He's the reason why I've joined the campaign,'' she said.

PM's Office Minister Krasae Chanawong pledged yesterday to take the problem of underage drinking seriously.