In Chiang Mai, drinking appears to be increasingly popular, especially among the youth. Interviews with a number of teenagers revealed that many begin drinking at around the age of 15, drinking as occasionally as once or twice every month to as frequently as three to four times a week.
The main draw to drink was to socialise and spend time with friends. "[Drinking] is certainly a social activity for me, as I never drink by myself," said one 18 year-old named Kamina. "I only drink when I'm with my friends, and I do it mainly so that we can all just get really drunk and all go out."
While many acknowledged that underage drinking was socially frowned upon, and illegal, like every generation of youth, this doesn't seem like a significant deterrent. "Drinking is not accepted in Thai culture, especially if you're underage," said one 16 year-old girl, who chose to be identified as Tanya. "Thai people have big expectations on how young children are supposed to act, which are: study hard, do homework, get grades, and respect parents."
Tangmo, 17, echoed similar concerns, but also noted that for her, perspectives were changing. "Alcohol consumption is known to go against the will of Buddhism, which is the most important aspect of Thailand. However, the new generation's perspectives have 'evolved' and we realise that there are more important things than just following the rules of Buddhism, such as learning to 'fit-in' with society."
Furthermore, if the only difference between 'good' and 'bad' drinking was a question of just a few years, then that line of thinking wasn't going to stop teens from underage drinking. "No teenager is going to wait until 20 or 21 for their first drink," said Pim, 17.
Finally, as long as they knew how to take care of themselves and be responsible for their actions, some teens don't consider drinking reprehensible, as the government would have them think. "Drinking is something normal just like having dinner with our parents on Fridays, instead we drink with friends on Saturdays," said one 15 year-old.