He called upon people to use the Buddhist Lent period (July 9 to October 5) to refrain from drinking alcohol, as this would save money and boost their health.

Government spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Sunday that Prayut was worried because the World Health Orgainsation had ranked Thailand as fifth in the world in terms of the number of alcohol drinkers.

Drinking also contributed to road accidents and other social issues such as domestic violence and crimes, he said.

It has also been reported that the number of new drinkers aged 15-19 has risen by 4.96 per cent a year.

“The Premier wants Thai public members to use the Buddhist Lent period to reduce or refrain from alcohol drinking, which would also be a great merit,” Sansern said.

The previous campaign to reduce alcohol consumption during Buddhist Lent had proven successful, with 81.2 per cent of participants’ families saving money. It also boosted the participants’ physical health (80.5 per cent), promoted their mental health (50.2 per cent), and reduced family problems by promoting family unity and happiness (31.1 per cent), he said.