Taxi and tuk-tuk drivers gather at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall yesterday to promote an alcohol-free Lent in honour of the King.

"The more you drink, the poorer and more unhealthy you are," Thai Health Promotion Foundation vice president Dr Udomsilp Srisaengnam said at the launch of a campaign to encourage abstinence during Buddhist Lent.

This year, Buddhist Lent lasts from July 11 to October 7.

Together with a network of anti-alcohol organisations, taxi and tuk-tuk co-operatives jointly held the launch of their abstinence pledge at the Royal Plaza yesterday. The participating drivers signed their names to honour their promise not to drink during Lent.

Udomsilp said abstinence would benefit both the drivers and society. "By not drinking, taxi drivers will drive more safely and can save money," he said.

Based on information from the taxi cooperatives' chairmen, Udomsilp said each taxi driver spent about Bt315 a day on alcoholic drinks on average.

"Wasting money in such a way can lead to family problems or even crimes," he said.

He pointed out that alcohol could cause up to 60 different diseases and cost the country between Bt500 billion and Bt1 trillion a year in public health treatment. Last year, Thais drank 10 billion litres of liquor valued at Bt187 billion.

Taxi driver Mongkon Chinsorn, 22, said he used to spend between Bt50 and Bt60 for a meal with liquor.

"But now I'm determined to stop during Buddhist Lent. I believe I will be able to save some money," he said.

Mana Chaihong of the Taxi Drivers' Benefit Protection Association estimated about 70 per cent of taxi drivers drank alcohol.