Thailand Backs Bill to Empower Small Liquor Producers

[webfact]

File photo for reference only.

 

In a groundbreaking move, Thailand's House of Representatives passed a pivotal bill on Wednesday aimed at transforming the nation's liquor industry by empowering small-scale and community-based producers. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra lauded the decision, emphasising that this could break the long-standing dominance of a few major corporations, while boosting the rural economy.

 

The newly-approved Community Liquor Bill is designed to provide a fair playing field for individual entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and farmers' associations, allowing them to obtain licences to produce and sell various types of alcohol. An overwhelming majority of 415 out of 420 lawmakers supported the bill, which now advances to the Senate for further debate.

 

This legislative shift opens doors for microbreweries and small distilleries, potentially challenging the decades-long stranglehold of industry giants like Thai Beverage and Boon Rawd Brewery. The revised regulations are also expected to benefit restaurants and pubs, enabling them to create unique drinks, catering especially to international tourists' tastes.

Prior reform attempts include the 2022 initiative, which did away with stringent requirements on capital and production capacity for small producers. This was yet another step towards democratising Thailand's alcohol production landscape.

 

As it stands, Thailand's domestic alcoholic drink sales amounted to 2.97 billion litres, worth approximately 584 billion Thai Baht (equivalent to $16.3 billion) in 2023, reported Krungsri Research. Beer and spirits dominate the market, comprising 55.8% and 36.1% of the total value, respectively.

 

With parliamentary approval pending, detailed ministerial regulations need development before licences are issued, explained Chanin Rungtanakiat of the Pheu Thai Party. If related agencies act promptly, the bill might be implemented by October.

 

Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, an advocate for dismantling the liquor monopoly, expressed optimism. His relentless campaign helped shape aspects of this bill, though he's committed to pushing for his own Progressive Liquor Bill too. In a heartfelt post on X, he recalled his journey from being arrested for homebrewing almost eight years ago to today, lauding the collaborative efforts across party lines.

 

Founded in 1933, Boon Rawd remains a major player under the Bhirombhakdi family, noted as Thailand’s 19th wealthiest by Forbes. Meanwhile, ThaiBev, created by Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, who ranks as the nation's third-richest individual, controls a significant share of both the beer and spirits markets.

 

This new legislation symbolises a notable shift towards smaller producers, envisaging a more diverse and dynamic alcohol industry in Thailand. If enacted, it holds the promise of economic revitalisation and increased choice for consumers, marking a significant moment in the country's economic narrative, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-16

 

 

[flyingtlger]

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thailand's House of Representatives passed a pivotal bill on Wednesday aimed at transforming the nation's liquor industry by empowering small-scale and community-based producers.

 

I'll drink to that!

[Artisi]

The big players won't be happy, looks like it could be bonus payment time for the senators to turn this nonsense off. 

[JoePai]

At last, now we might get decent beer to drink   👍