The research also suggested alcohol studies be taught to schoolchildren so they could learn about its effects on health, Manee Chaiteeranuwatsiri, head of the Education Department, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, told a seminar on alcohol consumption yesterday.

The research, conducted in July, interviewed 110 drinkers in Bangkok and the provinces and found young people aged between 18 and 25 drank three to six times a month, spending about Bt1,000 per month on alcohol. Most youngsters said they preferred drinking with friends.

Those over 25 said they drank 12-15 times a month, spending about Bt2,000, and drank while socialising with friends and workmates, Manee said.

Although some admitted alcohol ads tempted them to try new products, the majority of youngsters said the ban on alcohol would not prevent them from drinking, as the habit came from peer pressure and socialising - and they could buy alcohol from shops. The older group said that, with or without ads, they would still drink because they enjoyed it.

The study also urged alcohol manufacturers to show social responsibility by granting scholarships, giving financial support to victims of drunk driving, and educating the public on alcohol's effects to health and society.

The government was urged to implement measures including a ban on alcohol sales to persons under 18, a hike in alcohol tax, a promotion of the value of socialising without drinking, support for anti-alcohol campaigns, and a prohibition on drinking at government offices.