Theerapat Khahawong, coordinator of the network, which has pushed for a ban on alcohol sales near academic institutions for years, said the mall had asked the provincial governor to review the alcohol-free zoning near academic institutions by citing economic reasons. As a result, authorities have considering allowing new businesses selling alcohol at the mall. The network urged state officials to summon mall representatives to explain about their case. Theerapat claimed that if the province bent to the business’s request, students at three academic institutions in the area, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, and Vongchavalitkul University, would be at risk. If the zoning exception was allowed, other business would also seek to open new venues selling alcohol, undermining the NCPO order, he said.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 09, 2017 09:43 UTC