Buddhist Lent: Thailand’s secret cure for alcohol addiction

Millions of Thais have cut down on or even quit alcohol thanks to a decades-long campaign promoting sobriety during the annual rains retreat, better known as Buddhist Lent. This year, the three-month Buddhist Lent period started on July 21 and will conclude on October 17.

Most of Thailand’s 72 million people consider themselves Buddhist, though this doesn’t prevent them from drinking an average of 7.8 litres of alcohol per person, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) figures for 2019. Thai alcohol consumption is significantly higher than the global average of 5.5 litres per person.

The moral code of Buddhism, contained in the Five Precepts, calls for the avoidance of intoxicants – including alcohol – that cloud the mind and can lead to unethical behaviour.

‘New you’

The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) has partnered with the Stop Drink Network and others to encourage people to curb their drinking habits with the slogan “New You Via Alcohol Abstinence.”

The campaign features a broken-hearted young woman whose life is transformed by her slender body and healthier skin after she gives up alcohol. It also shows how men can get rid of big bellies and dark bags around their eyes by shunning booze.

“You will see positive results within three months,” promises Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, CEO of ThaiHealth.

The foundation has been running alcohol-awareness campaigns during Buddhist Lent for more than 20 years, offering practical tips and support to quit or reduce drinking, with advice available through ThaiHealth’s 1413 hotline.

The foundation believes that planning how to avoid alcohol is key to quitting or at least curbing a drinking habit. For example, it advises people to fill their schedules with community or family activities that do not involve alcohol. Those who feel the urge to drink are encouraged to slake their thirst with sour fruit juices that mimic the taste of alcohol.

They are also advised to discard any alcohol stocks they keep at home and prepare to say “no” to anyone who invites them for a drink. Friends and family members are also seen as an important source of support for those trying to kick the habit.

The Buddhist Lent campaign even includes mocktail recipes to show drinkers that you don't need beer or liquor to enjoy yourself.

Success rate

Last year, 10.2 million of the estimated 24.8 million drinkers in Thailand joined the campaign –an increase of 770,000 from the previous year. Of the participants, 21.3% said they did not touch alcohol at all during the three months of Buddhist Lent.

About 9.1% abstained during part of the period, while 10.5% said they drank less. Two-thirds (66.3%) said they felt emotionally and physically healthier after quitting or reducing their alcohol consumption.

A survey of participants estimated they saved an average of 1,509 baht per person, totalling about 4.2 billion baht during the campaign.

Jarulak Rueangsuwan, secretary-general of the National Savings Fund, pointed out that people who stopped drinking could redirect the money into their savings for retirement. Pongthep added, “Quitting or curbing drinking is also good for relationships.”

Alcohol and health

The WHO warns that consuming even small amounts of alcohol – a toxin – brings health risks. Worldwide, around 2.6 million people died from alcohol-related causes in 2019. Of these, 1.6 million died from noncommunicable diseases, 700,000 from injuries, and 300,000 from communicable diseases. Studies show long-term abstinence from alcohol can help reduce the risk of developing various types of cancer.

Faxingtawan Wiykrrn said she was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 38 after a prolonged habit of daily drinking. “Health indicators suggest I may develop liver cancer,” said the onetime heavy drinker. The health scare prompted her to make big changes in her life. Not only has she stopped drinking, but she also shares her healthy herbal drink recipes on social media to encourage others onto the same path.

Like her, millions of Thais are discovering the benefits of reducing or quitting alcohol during Buddhist Lent, with many reporting positive changes that extend beyond the three-month period.