"Alcohol can deprive drinkers of judgement, rational thinking and immunity required in their lives," Thai Health Promotion Foundation second vice chairperson Udomsil Srisangnam said at the launch of the campaign.

A survey by the National Statistical Office showed that Thais last year spent on average about Bt206 a month on alcoholic beverages.

More than 600,000 workers surveyed in Chon Buri said they spent more than Bt800 a month on liquor despite the fact that each had debts of about Bt180,000.

Udomsil said all donations would go to the Bhumirak Thammachart centre, where His Majesty's Sufficiency Economy theory is demonstrated.

The foundation launched the campaign, called "Stop Drinking and Donate Money for the Occasion of His Majesty's 80th Birthday Anniversary", in conjunction with Chaipattana Foundation.

His Majesty will celebrate his 80th birthday on December 5 next year.

Udomsil said donations should be made to "His Majesty's 80th Birthday Anniversary Fund for the Chaipattana Foundation", account number 007-0-04190-3 at the Krung Thai Bank's Victory Monument branch.

Starting next year, donations can be made via pay-point counters at 7-Eleven outlets as well.

Udomsil said donors could claim tax rebates by faxing their donation certificates to (02) 734 6113.

Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of Chaipattana Foundation, said that although the foundation did not have a policy to solicit money it had joined the campaign because it supported abstinence from alcohol, which harmed both drinkers and society.

"Drinking has claimed too many lives and maimed too any people. Drinking has caused burdens to families and the country," he said.

"This is a campaign to stop sinning and to make merit."

Sumet said the Bhumirak Thammachart centre was located on more than 14 rai in Nakhon Nayok and had contributed useful knowledge to the country.