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The network's coordinator, Kamron Chudecha also urged Chalerm to urgently implement the plan.

"This is a good opportunity for him to prove his words and show his performance," Kamron said, adding that it is unclear how long the newlyformed administration will last.

Kamron added that the ban should also extend to major festivals such as Loy Krathong and the Red Cross Society's annual fair.

Centre for Alcohol Studies director, Dr Bundit Sornpaisarn, who called on Chalerm alongside Kamron yesterday, said the road toll during holidays was high.

Drunk driving was a main cause of road accidents. "During the holidays, road accidents kill one victim every 20 minutes," Bundit said.

Chalerm thanked the Alcohol Watch Network and its allies for their support.

However, he said he would first conduct a survey to listen to people's opinions before imposing the ban. "The majority voice will count," he said, "I will handle this issue carefully and to the best of my abilities."

Chalerm was confident he could push ahead with his plan before the New Year celebrations started.

He said a survey conducted some time ago revealed 67 per cent of people agreed with the idea to ban alcohol sales on religious holidays, Songkran and the New Year period.

Chalerm plans to commission the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University to conduct the survey this time.

Asked about pressure from liquor companies, Chalerm said he had no worry about this. "I think they will agree to cooperate," the public health minister said.