Efforts Continue to Lift Alcohol Ban on Thai Trains and Boost Tourism

[webfact]

File photo for reference only

 

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is preparing to make another attempt to lift the ban on alcohol sales aboard trains. Aiming to stimulate local tourism, the SRT will present its proposal at an upcoming meeting of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee on Friday.

 

In a previous meeting, the committee, governed by the Ministry of Public Health, rejected this proposal, citing potential detrimental impacts. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, who leads the committee, indicated that the findings of a study guided their decision, suggesting that reintroducing alcohol sales might do more harm than good. Nonetheless, the SRT seems undeterred, planning to revisit their case for exemptions to the ban, particularly on tourist train services.

 

"The SRT will urge the committee to again consider allowing alcohol sales in train stations or on trains as a means to boost tourism," revealed a spokesman closely linked to SRT deliberations.

 

Yet, opposition to this move remains strong. Dr Udomsak Sae-Ngow from the Centre of Alcohol Studies (CAS) highlighted that a significant poll conducted across 25 train stations revealed resistance.

The poll, conducted with over 3,000 train passengers last August, found that 80% of occasional drinkers and 67% of regular drinkers opposed lifting the alcohol restriction due to concerns over safety, potential disturbances, and risks such as sexual harassment.

 

Most notably, 86% of respondents recalled the tragic 2017 incident where a 13-year-old passenger was raped and murdered, which catalysed the current ban.

 

Thirapat Khahawong, coordinator for a network dedicated to preventing the negative effects of alcohol, urged the committee to focus on public health over industry interests.

 

His stance is critical, especially as some segments of the business community call for the lifting of longstanding alcohol sale restrictions to invigorate economic activity. For instance, last week saw hotels and businesses lobbying to remove the 2-5pm sales ban—a practice in place since 1972 to dissuade civil servants from drinking during working hours.

 

The ongoing debates reflect Thailand's challenges in balancing economic incentives from alcohol sales with public safety and health concerns. As the SRT makes its renewed push, stakeholders will watch carefully to see how this complex issue unfolds, weighing the pros and cons on both the economic and social fronts, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-18

 

 

[BayArea]

LOL!!! Everything they do is about getting tourism $$$. 

[Tropicalevo]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

"The SRT will urge the committee to again consider allowing alcohol sales in train stations or on trains as a means to boost tourism,"

 

I just do not see how allowing alcohol will boost tourism.

People do not sit at home and think 'Oh I can drink on trains, I think that we should go to Thailand'.

Tourists who catch trains are usually already here.

[petedk]

The whole idea is absurd. Most tourists travel by air or minivan where they can't drink either. 

 

The ban was enforced because an SRT employee had been drinking and molested a female passenger.

Why not just ban employees from drinking?

 

Anyway, I couldn't care less as I have never been on a train in Thailand and probably never will. 

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is preparing to make another attempt to lift the ban on alcohol sales aboard trains. Aiming to stimulate local tourism,

Not sure that's such a good idea... except in a buffet car.

[Briggsy]

For those of you who have been here a while, you will recall. For the others, I will let you know.

 

The staff on the train lack self-discipline and are very focused on a quick buck.

When alcohol was on sale on trains, the staff use to go up and down the train constantly shoving Heineken in your face and repeatedly asking you to buy it. If you had a first class ticket, they use to repeatedly knock on your door asking you to buy it. They turned one section of the train into a mobile disco (fun but ill-advised) replete with flashing lights. There was zero professionalism and responsibility regarding safety. This culture eventually led to the appalling rape and murder of the 13-year-old by an SRT employee. In addition, if you were transporting goods on the train, along with the official charge, they would always request a bribe (at least in Bangkok) before loading the goods.

 

Unless the SRT can demonstrate a cultural change to non-puerile behaviour amongst its onboard staff, there should be no change in the policy.

 

In fact, the fact they are pushing so hard for alcohol sales to be reinstated suggests that the same mentality to make easy money without responsible safeguards still exists.

[Antti]

And six months later we will see a headline: "Solutions Sought for Dealing with Unruly Tourists in Thailand trains". This country is just absolutely pathetic. If they are this desperate for a few more baht why can't the PM take one for the team and launch her OF to fill the coffers.

[greeneking]

7 hours ago, BayArea said:

LOL!!! Everything they do is about getting tourism $$$. 

Agreed. Just do it  for all passengers who would like a  beer as they watch the world go by. 

Tourism not relevant.

[ignore it]

Good news 

Less drunks driving

Bad news

Fights on trains

Good news

Free entertaining fights

Bad news

More barf in the bog.

[Burma Bill]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

preparing to make another attempt to lift the ban on alcohol sales aboard trains.

 

2 hours ago, petedk said:

The whole idea is absurd.

 

With respect, not in my opinion. Go for it State Railways of Thailand. 

 

Back in the old days (25 years in my case), there were no budget airlines. It was bus, car or train. I regularly took the train from Lampang or Chiang Mai to Bangkok and it was always a treat to be able to book a seat in the Restaurant Car and enjoy a freshly cooked hot Thai meal, prepared in the Kitchen Car in woks over gas burners.  Chilled Beer Chang and Singha Beer were available to wash down your food, whilst enjoying the scenery from the train.  Leo Beer was not around back in those days. A great experience. 

 

A beer ban on trains?? Back in 2023 I travelled by train from Don Mueang Airport to Chiang Mai and chilled cans of Beer Chang were readily available from vendors for passengers consumption.

 

 

[PETERTHEEATER]

Thai trains are so slow you need life support more than alcohol.That said, a couple of beers en route takes the sting out of a dreary journey.

[bannork]

Back in the 90s and early 10s, it was great to sit in the buffet car on the night train with open windows, enjoy a meal with beers and morlam in the background. A very civilised way to travel at night to Udon. Back then the non- air con trains were noisy as they swished and clattered along, so a few drunks staggering back to their bunks weren't too annoying for sleeping passengers, at least on the north- east line.

But now all the sleeper trains are air-con, it's quiet in the carriages, drunk passengers returning would be disruptive, waking the others.

There is a solution, however. Have one sleeper carriage or two solely for drinkers. Have it next to the buffet car so not far to stagger to bed. 

 

[jchfriis]

2 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

 

 

With respect, not in my opinion. Go for it State Railways of Thailand. 

 

Back in the old days (25 years in my case), there were no budget airlines. It was bus, car or train. I regularly took the train from Lampang or Chiang Mai to Bangkok and it was always a treat to be able to book a seat in the Restaurant Car and enjoy a freshly cooked hot Thai meal, prepared in the Kitchen Car in woks over gas burners.  Chilled Beer Chang and Singha Beer were available to wash down your food, whilst enjoying the scenery from the train.  Leo Beer was not around back in those days. A great experience. 

 

A beer ban on trains?? Back in 2023 I travelled by train from Don Mueang Airport to Chiang Mai and chilled cans of Beer Chang were readily available from vendors for passengers consumption.

 

 

I remember well those days when taking the night-train Chiang Mai - Bangkok and back was a nice experience. The so-called Restaurant Car today is an abomination. Plastic seats, "Food" packed in plastic with no taste and light so bright it hurts your eyes. I guess it's "progress".

[hellohello123]

7 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

I just do not see how allowing alcohol will boost tourism.

People do not sit at home and think 'Oh I can drink on trains, I think that we should go to Thailand'.

Tourists who catch trains are usually already here.

Whoa whoa steady on son!

 

That requires lateral thinking

[it is what it is]

5 hours ago, petedk said:

The whole idea is absurd. Most tourists travel by air or minivan where they can't drink either. 

 

The ban was enforced because an SRT employee had been drinking and molested a female passenger.

Why not just ban employees from drinking?

 

Anyway, I couldn't care less as I have never been on a train in Thailand and probably never will. 

 

Why not just ban employees from drinking?

 

surely they already are, it can't be permitted to be drinking while working?!

[Burma Bill]

31 minutes ago, jchfriis said:

I remember well those days when taking the night-train Chiang Mai - Bangkok and back was a nice experience. The so-called Restaurant Car today is an abomination. Plastic seats, "Food" packed in plastic with no taste and light so bright it hurts your eyes. I guess it's "progress".

  

Yes indeed, a very nice experience.

If my memory is correct, I believe the old restaurant and kitchen cars were constructed of wood in which gas cylinders were placed for heating the cooking woks! The food was always hot and freshly cooked, the beer always chilled. 

[The Old Bull]

What's new ,if you go third class you will see lots of Lao Khow being guzzled. They won't sell that anyway if selling booze is legalized.

[kingstonkid]

19 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

I just do not see how allowing alcohol will boost tourism.

People do not sit at home and think 'Oh I can drink on trains, I think that we should go to Thailand'.

Tourists who catch trains are usually already here.

Just what we need get stuck on a train with a bunch of drunk backpackers

[DrPhibes]

Yes!  Bring back the 9pm disco ball/music and Changs in the dining car on the overnight BKK to CNX train!! 

[black tabby12345]

On 2/18/2025 at 5:36 AM, BayArea said:

LOL!!! Everything they do is about getting tourism $$$. 

 

More Brawls  & Altercations expected.

This time, on the train...

[black tabby12345]

One incident of  2014, that led to the Alcohol Ban on Thai trains.

 

Thai man gets death penalty for train rape, murder | AP News

 

Bangkok Post - SRT chief in hot seat over train child rape, murder

 

Thailand horrified after girl raped, thrown from train | CNN

[petedk]

On 2/18/2025 at 1:44 PM, Burma Bill said:

 

 

With respect, not in my opinion. Go for it State Railways of Thailand. 

 

Back in the old days (25 years in my case), there were no budget airlines. It was bus, car or train. I regularly took the train from Lampang or Chiang Mai to Bangkok and it was always a treat to be able to book a seat in the Restaurant Car and enjoy a freshly cooked hot Thai meal, prepared in the Kitchen Car in woks over gas burners.  Chilled Beer Chang and Singha Beer were available to wash down your food, whilst enjoying the scenery from the train.  Leo Beer was not around back in those days. A great experience. 

 

A beer ban on trains?? Back in 2023 I travelled by train from Don Mueang Airport to Chiang Mai and chilled cans of Beer Chang were readily available from vendors for passengers consumption.

 

 

 

Sorry, maybe I didn't make my point clear. I meant the whole idea of banning beer on trains is absurd. Surely one should be allowed to enjoy a few beers and relax. 

[greeneking]

On 2/19/2025 at 12:58 PM, black tabby12345 said:

 

More Brawls  & Altercations expected.

This time, on the train...

Why do some people think someone enjoying a beer is going to argue and get into fights?