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Having a drink with family is an essential part of Songkran for many in the Northeast even though they are aware of the dangers. Charoen Wienwan, 54, sits and watches as a relative lies in a hospital bed suffering the advanced stages of liver cancer. He is not afraid. He still drinks heavily even though he knows this is a cause of many serious illnesses and road accidents. "Of course, I know that drink driving leads to road accidents. But it's impossible not to drink during Songkran," Mr Charoen said.

Having a drink with family is an essential part of Songkran for many in the Northeast even though they are aware of the dangers. Charoen Wienwan, 54, sits and watches as a relative lies in a hospital bed suffering the advanced stages of liver cancer. He is not afraid. He still drinks heavily even though he knows this is a cause of many serious illnesses and road accidents. "Of course, I know that drink driving leads to road accidents. But it's impossible not to drink during Songkran," Mr Charoen said.

Having a drink with family is an essential part of Songkran for many in the Northeast even though they are aware of the dangers. Charoen Wienwan, 54, sits and watches as a relative lies in a hospital bed suffering the advanced stages of liver cancer. He is not afraid. He still drinks heavily even though he knows this is a cause of many serious illnesses and road accidents. "Of course, I know that drink driving leads to road accidents. But it's impossible not to drink during Songkran," Mr Charoen said.

Having a drink with family is an essential part of Songkran for many in the Northeast even though they are aware of the dangers. Charoen Wienwan, 54, sits and watches as a relative lies in a hospital bed suffering the advanced stages of liver cancer. He is not afraid. He still drinks heavily even though he knows this is a cause of many serious illnesses and road accidents. "Of course, I know that drink driving leads to road accidents. But it's impossible not to drink during Songkran," Mr Charoen said.

Anti alcohol activists are demanding the removal of Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart as chairman of the National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control, citing a conflict of interest.Maj-Gen Sanan on Monday decided to seek a Council of State ruling on the legality of a ban on alcohol sales during next month's Songkran festival.The move was seen by activists as a delaying tactic to prevent the ban from taking effect before the festival from April 13th to 15th.