Thailand – With Songkran celebrations set to begin, Pernod Ricard, the producer of premium international wine and spirits, is bringing back its ‘Drink More Water’ campaign in Bangkok for a second year, as part of efforts to promote moderation and reduce binge drinking during the holiday.

The ‘Drink More Water’ campaign, part of Pernod Ricard’s global sustainability and responsibility strategy, was first launched in 2021 and expanded to nine Asia-Pacific markets in 2023. It has since reached over 600 million people online and more than 23 million in person across 61 markets.

This year’s campaign introduces a more playful and culturally relevant approach, taking cues from Asia’s fondness for shaved ice and street-side refreshments—popular ways to stay cool during the festive heat.

For its second year, the campaign introduces vibrant hydration stations that offer festivalgoers a refreshing break amid the city’s Songkran festivities.

For the first time, these stations are designed to resemble local bus stops and will be set up at three key locations in Bangkok: Silom Complex, Siam CentralWorld, and Donki Thonglor. Each station will provide complimentary popsicles and water bottles to help people cool down and recharge.

Designed with bright, festive visuals, the stations also double as photo spots. Brand ambassadors will be present to encourage hydration, promote responsible drinking, and help festivalgoers pace themselves for a safer celebration.

“Songkran is Thailand’s most beloved holiday, a time to celebrate with friends and family. At Pernod Ricard, we’re dedicated to helping consumers make mindful choices about when, how, and how much to drink during this festive season,” said Patrick Castanier, managing director at Pernod Ricard Thailand. 

“This year, we’re reimagining hydration in new and exciting ways, encouraging everyone to stay mindful of their hydration, pace themselves, and ensure the joy of Songkran lasts beyond the celebrations,” he added.

The Drink More Water campaign will run from April 12 to 15 at various hydration stations across Bangkok. Festivalgoers can receive a complimentary popsicle by following @drinkmore.water.rp on Instagram, taking a photo at one of the stations, and sharing it publicly via Story, Reel, or Post. Proof of following and posting is required for redemption.

As part of its broader responsible drinking efforts, Pernod Ricard has also introduced digital labels on more than half a billion bottles across 166 markets, providing consumers with information to support mindful alcohol consumption. The company maintains that genuine conviviality is incompatible with excess and encourages those celebrating Songkran to prioritise moderation and make responsible choices.

Sydney, Australia After a competitive pitch, media agency Initiative has retained its media remit for distillery company Pernod Ricard to work across the entire brand portfolio including all Pernod’s wine, spirit, whiskey, champagne, RTD and ‘new to world’ brands, focusing on Australia and New Zealand market.

Since its sealed partnership in 2019, Initiative has helped the company to propel into culture, with notable highlights including challenging gender bias through The Glenlivet Break The Rules campaign, tackling regional inequality through Absolut Pride Relay, and launching major brands like Malfy Gin and Altos Tequila into market. 

Jo McAlister, managing director at Initiative, said that the agency is excited for another 3 years of partnership with the company to continue its journey in leading ANZ’s competitive alcohol beverage markets across all brand categories.

“This is phenomenal news and we are so proud to continue our partnership. For the past three years we have grown together as brands, collaborating via a truly open and transparent relationship and enjoying an agency/client bond that I’ve rarely seen in market,” McAlister added.

Eric Thomson, CMO at Pernod Ricard Winemakers, added, “The chemistry between Initiative’s team and ours was evident from the start of our relationship three years ago and it has not waned. We are delighted to continue our partnership as we both push forward to produce effective and creative work that connects and engages our customers in an increasingly complex market.”

In January, Initiative also retained its media business remit for energy networks owner Jemena Limited, extending its 10-year relationship with the brand.