The Committee for National Alcohol Beverage Control on Friday scrapped a proposal to ban all alcohol sales during New Year and Songkran holidays.
Speaking after a committee meeting, Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin said the proposal required a more in-depth study and an intensive review as it would impact a large number of people.
It also needs a thorough public opinion survey, said Dr Rajata, who chaired the meeting.
The move came after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said early last week there would be no ban on alcohol consumption in public places during the upcoming New Year holidays.
Gen Prayut said all rules had to be practical, suggesting stricter measures with the existing rules.
The prime minister, however, did warn people not to drink and drive.
The Department of Disease Control had proposed on Dec 3 to ban alcohol sales on Dec 31 and Jan 1; and at Songkran on April 13-15, every year in the hope of cutting the number of traffic deaths and accidents.
The shelved proposal, which drew heavy criticism, was among the regulations proposed to further restrict alcohol consumption.
The committee, however, approved the draft regulation to ban the consumption and sale of alcohol at piers, bus terminals, and properties managed by state enterprises or government agencies.
It also approved the proposal to ban all alcohol sales at the end of Buddhist Lent.
Currently, alcohol sales are banned on Buddhist holidays including Buddhist Lent, Visakha Bucha and Makha Bucha days.
The meeting also agreed on a measure forbidding alcohol sales near educational institutions, but it requires the Office of the Alcohol Control Committee to provide a clear framework to assure that law enforcement will not affect licensed restaurants that serve alcohol.
The drafts approved by the committee yesterday will be scrutinised by the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee on Wednesday.