The Thai House of Representatives has passed a significant bill regarding the regulation of alcoholic beverages, allowing for liquor advertisements and promoting greater awareness of local alcohol products. This legislation marks a pivotal point for the alcohol industry in Thailand, as it aims to balance regulation with economic opportunity.
On March 19, 2025, during a parliamentary meeting chaired by Vice President Phichet Chueamuangphan, the House scrutinized a draft of the Alcohol Control Act, reviewed by their committee in a detailed process that included 38 articles. After a comprehensive discussion, lawmakers debated and voted on the changes, which led to a resounding 365 votes in favor of the bill with no dissenting opinions.
As per the newly approved regulations, the previous ban on advertising alcoholic beverages has been lifted. The core concerns revolved around amendments to Section 32, which previously prohibited any advertising related to alcohol products, including the display of brand names and promotional activities. The transformed regulations will enable producers to promote their local products openly, a significant shift acknowledging the role of local alcohol producers in the industry.
However, concerns were raised during the discussions, particularly regarding the increase in power granted to officials under Section 34 of the draft legislation. This section specifically addresses the powers for warning and shutting down venues found in violation of the law. MP Julapong Yooyoo-age expressed apprehension that such discretion could invite corruption opportunities, suggesting that unscrupulous officials might exploit the system for personal gain.
Yooyoo-age stated, "If corrupt officials find a way to exchange warnings for bribes instead of shutting down businesses, it could lead to widespread corruption." He urged for stricter guidelines to restrict discretionary powers allocated to enforcement officers.
Representatives of the government committee countered that such discretionary powers are necessary to ensure law enforcement balance, emphasizing that guidelines and conditions will govern the application of these powers. They claimed that this was a move away from the formerly strict closure orders mandated by the military government and towards a more nuanced approach to regulation.
After deliberations, the House voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Alcohol Control Bill, with only three abstentions during the voting process. They also supported the committee's additional observations concerning the bill, which were accepted with similar majorities.
This legislative progress signifies an important turn in Thailand's approach to alcohol regulation, with potential implications for small-scale producers and artisanal local brands that can now communicate and market their products to a broader audience.
Chanin Rungthanakiet, an MP from the Pheu Thai Party and vice president of the committee overseeing the Alcohol Control Bill, noted via his social media that the passing of this bill enables local producers to effectively communicate their products. He highlighted the gap that was previously created by stringent advertising laws, which he noted often led to legal troubles for ordinary individuals simply for showcasing alcohol product trademarks.
"Past regulations sometimes resulted in ordinary citizens facing lawsuits just for posting pictures of their alcoholic products. This amendment allows small businesses and community alcohol producers to exemplify their offerings, helping them establish a foothold in the market," Rungthanakiet shared.
The newly updated regulations, which will undergo further examination in the Senate before final approval and enactment, signal Thailand's evolving economic landscape and its recognition of the importance of local brands and consumer awareness.
In summary, the legislative changes could breathe new life into the local alcohol market, paving the way for increased visibility and consumer engagement, while attempting to mitigate potential risks associated with newfound advertising freedoms.
