During the upcoming traditional New Year, gatherings to eat and drink happily are hard to resist. New Year is a time for families to gather with their parents to celebrate the New Year, so fun and family gatherings are common.
The law does not prohibit it, and alcohol companies are marketing it aggressively, but please be careful and have some self-control. It is important not to put your family in debt or lose everything because of drinking too much.
In the case where we have money and are prepared for this gathering, let’s have a good time, but don’t get too drunk. Control yourself so that you don’t cause violence, arguments, fights, or traffic accidents.
Regarding the alcohol issue, according to a policy paper titled “Strengthening the Cambodian Policy Framework to Combat Excessive Alcohol Consumption,” compiled by the Southeast Asian Public Policy Institute (SEAPPI) and the Asia Vision Institute (AVI), alcohol use among young people remains a concern in the country.
A recently released report found that almost a third of young people between the ages of 15 and 19 are currently using alcohol.
In the case of middle-aged people using alcohol, it is not so bad, but when research reports find young people between the ages of 15 and 19 getting involved in alcohol, it is something we should think about.
In addition, what this document shows also reveals that among those who drink or use alcohol, up to 26 percent are described as those who drink or use alcohol in moderation. And more than 28 percent are at moderate risk, with 5 percent considered high risk and 4 percent likely to be heavy drinkers.
In recent years, the recorded alcohol market in Cambodia has been growing and is predicted to continue to grow, driven by a growing middle class, growing international tourism, and rapid urbanization.
The same document continued that the growth was largely driven by the alcoholic beverage market, which was worth $1.1 billion in 2023 and is predicted to double by 2032.
Overall, during the upcoming traditional Chinese New Year, If you can’t control your desire to eat, eat or drink, but whatever you do, don’t overdo it and be mindful. In other words, you should eat responsibly, don’t eat beyond your means, eat according to your hunger, or follow the advice of others.
