Nan province: Nan province has embarked on a significant initiative to promote abstinence from alcohol during the 90-day Buddhist Lent, encouraging citizens to accumulate health points every day. The campaign, titled "Abstinence from Alcohol During Buddhist Lent 2026," spans 41 communities across the province, aiming to foster well-being, decrease accidents, and reinforce community bonds.
According to Thai News Agency, this initiative is a collaborative effort involving Nan Municipality, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF), the Thai Alcohol Control Network (TACN), and the Social Power Network Foundation. Together, they are spearheading the 'Alcohol-Free Buddhist Lent 2026' campaign, themed '90 Days, Earn Health Points Every Day.' The campaign is operational in four districts: Mueang Nan, Wiang Sa, Chiang Klang, and Bo Kluea. It seeks to transform alcohol consumption behaviors through the combined efforts of temples, communities, and local administrative bodies, with goals of diminishing health risks, reducing societal accidents and violence, and enhancing the quality of life sustainably. The annual Buddhist Lent candle offering ceremony for 2026 was held at the Khuang Mueang Nan ceremonial grounds, in front of Wat Phumin, with Mr. Banjong Khunphet, Deputy Governor of Nan Province, presiding over the event. The ceremony saw participation from Mrs. Arisa Boonsom, Deputy Mayor of Nan Muni cipality, along with government officials, representatives from THPF and TACN, teachers, students, citizens, and tourists.
The event featured a homage ceremony and blessings for His Majesty the King on his 74th birthday, a declaration to abstain from alcohol during Buddhist Lent 2026, and the offering of candles to 26 temples within Nan Municipality. Prior to the event, a candle-making activity was available for citizens and tourists from July 13-26, 2026, to encourage participation in preserving Buddhism and using the Buddhist Lent period as an opportunity to focus on health improvement and reducing alcohol consumption.
Ms. Arisa Boonsom emphasized the importance of preserving the tradition of offering candles during Buddhist Lent while creating social value. She highlighted that many temples in the municipality are ancient and historically significant, serving as spiritual centers. The municipality aims to leverage Buddhist activities as catalysts for change, particularly in campaigning against alcohol consumption during Buddhist Lent. This initiative is intended to prioritize personal health, strengthen families, and improve the overall quality of life. Ms. Boonsom assured continued support for health-related initiatives in collaboration with various sectors.
Mr. Theeratham Wutthiwatthaichai, manager of the Nan Province Network for Alcohol-Free Living, highlighted the campaign's focus on positive motivation through the "90 Days, Earn Health Points Every Day" concept. He encouraged individuals to abstain from alcohol gradually, viewing each day of abstinence as an accumulation of "health points" that contribute to better physical and mental health, stronger family relationships, and reduced household expenses. He underscored the critical role of temples, community leaders, local administrative organizations, village health volunteers, and partner networks in assisting individuals to change their behavior and quit drinking sustainably.
The 2026 campaign has expanded to 41 communities, with intensified efforts in 11 communities through the "Invite, Help, Observe, Cheer" process. Additionally, campaigns ensure legal sales of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, preventing sales to minors. The initiative has also expanded to San and Nam Pua subdistricts in Wiang Sa district; Phra That, Puea, and Phra Phutthabat subdistricts in Chiang Klang district; and Bo Kluea Tai subdistrict in Bo Kluea district, aiming to establish a network of model communities across the province to reduce alcohol-related risks.