Thai Parliament Set to Decide on Controversial Liquor Bill Today

[snoop1130]

 

The opposition People’s Party eagerly awaits Parliament's decision on its "progressive liquor bill" today. This bill, a key election promise by the reformist Future Forward Party in 2019, aims to liberalise Thailand’s alcohol market. Future Forward, having evolved into the Move Forward Party, was blocked from forming the government in 2023 and eventually dissolved. Its members have now regrouped under the People’s Party banner.

 

The bill is up against two other proposals from the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, the United Thai Nation Party. Parliament’s decision to read each bill individually, rather than together, has heightened concerns that government MPs will oppose the People’s Party’s initiative.

 

Taopiphop Limjittrakorn of the People’s Party, who previously faced legal trouble for operating a craft beer business without a licence, champions the bill. His proposal includes controversial provisions allowing individuals to brew liquor or beer for personal use without permitting.

“The certification is for supervisory purposes,” counters Pheu Thai deputy spokesman Chanin Rungtanakiat, who cites public health concerns. Recent poisoning incidents from homemade brews underscore the risks involved.

 

While recent legal changes have somewhat liberalised brewing, the People’s Party argues that these only superficially ease the restrictions, maintaining barriers for small-scale producers. With Thailand's alcohol market predominantly controlled by seven corporations, the bill advocates for breaking this oligopoly and supporting grassroots economies.

 

Today's parliamentary vote will determine whether the People’s Party bill clears this significant hurdle, shaping the future of Thailand's alcohol industry.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-01

 

[nakhonandy]

The laws do need revising to allow smaller brewers into the market.

[dinsdale]

Thailand might "controversially" leap into the 21st Century. Well I don't think this is a good idea. Progression should be quelled by all corrupt means possible.

Does this bill also cover the absolutely anachronistic prohibition of sales of alcohol midnight to eleven in the morning and two to five in the afternoon. I hope not. This would be a very bad idea. Imagine the turmoil if one could actually go to the supermarket at 10:30 am or 2:30 pm and purchase alcohol. It's obviously a serious health issue and possibly a threat to national security.

Edited 10 hours ago by dinsdale

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

the Move Forward Party, was blocked from forming the government in 2023 and eventually dissolved.

Re-write: the Move Forward Party, was corruptly blocked from forming the government in 2023 and eventually dissolved for threatening the royalist military establishment's control on power and wealth.

[ikke1959]

All laws should be reviewed and the alcohol sales hours, the extreme tax on imported alcohol should be banned too.. They want to stimulate the economy, but they withhold it with the outdated laws and the so called protecting of the Thai people, instead of let them have freedom to invent and give possibilities.

[Tropicalevo]

I have no issue with the taxes or the no alcohol hours.

I can buy what I want 24/7.

However, smaller breweries should be allowed so that we can drink decent beer rather than the Singha, Leo etc  sweet stuff that have been the only ones available for years and running a monopoly.

(Big C are pulling the more independent beers off their shelves already!)

[renaissanc]

8 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Thailand might "controversially" leap into the 21st Century. Well I don't think this is a good idea. Progression should be quelled by all corrupt means possible.

Does this bill also cover the absolutely anachronistic prohibition of sales of alcohol midnight to eleven in the morning and two to five in the afternoon. I hope not. This would be a very bad idea. Imagine the turmoil if one could actually go to the supermarket at 10:30 am or 2:30 pm and purchase alcohol. It's obviously a serious health issue and possibly a threat to national security.

It could even lead to a revolution or world Wwar! Maybe also to the end of the world! .... I love your humor.

[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The bill is up against two other proposals from the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, the United Thai Nation Party. Parliament’s decision to read each bill individually, rather than together, has heightened concerns that government MPs will oppose the People’s Party’s initiative

A done deal then.

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

All laws should be reviewed and the alcohol sales hours, the extreme tax on imported alcohol should be banned too.. They want to stimulate the economy, but they withhold it with the outdated laws and the so called protecting of the Thai people, instead of let them have freedom to invent and give possibilities.

The price of imported alcohol, beer and wine in this country id ridiculous...

we're forced to consume the rubbish the Thai brewers make.

[ronster]

Still waiting on them reducing the price of wines etc from reducing tax on them 🙄

[Frankie baby]

They've got about as much chance of getting the freeze took off this monopoly as the Brits have with their frozen pensions on the other news thread.

Edited 1 hour ago by Frankie baby
wrong wording.

[topt]

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The bill is up against two other proposals from the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, the United Thai Nation Party. Parliament’s decision to read each bill individually, rather than together, has heightened concerns that government MPs will oppose the People’s Party’s initiative.

So what exactly are the other 2 bills proposing that's different. Anybody know?