BANGKOK, Thailand – The government is using this year’s National Mother’s Day to promote a nationwide campaign encouraging families to live free from alcohol and other risk factors. The “My Mom—Extraordinary Love” campaign, organized by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and partner networks, seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol, strengthen control measures, and honor the role of mothers in guiding families toward healthy, stable lives.
According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak, alcohol consumption in 2021 cost Thailand an estimated 165.45 billion baht, or 1.02% of GDP. Of this, 96.3% came from indirect losses such as premature deaths and reduced productivity caused by absenteeism or impaired work performance. Direct losses, including healthcare costs, justice system expenses, and property damage from traffic accidents, totaled well over 6 billion baht.
Nearly 80% of Thais have suffered harm from other people’s drinking, ranging from physical injury to emotional distress and family conflicts. The average social cost per drinker was estimated at 498,196 baht, with male drinkers averaging over 721,000 baht. Alcohol is also a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, linked to at least eight types of cancer, including oral, liver, and pancreatic cancers.
Officials said the data highlights the severe economic and social toll of alcohol consumption. The central administration is working with multiple sectors to enforce alcohol-control laws, run awareness campaigns, and prevent accidents and losses linked to drinking.
Ongoing measures include encouraging reduced alcohol use, promoting abstinence, and creating environments that protect public health. The campaign frames strong, supportive families as the “first vaccine” against addiction, helping ensure children grow up healthy and free from alcohol, drugs, and other harmful influences. (NNT)
