Expert Calls for Urgent Review of Thailand's Alcohol Policies

[webfact]

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In an urgent appeal to policymakers, a leading expert has called for a comprehensive review of Thailand's stringent alcohol regulations, highlighting their socio-economic impact and questionable effectiveness. The debate centres around the country's notorious alcohol curfew and its potential contribution to a thriving underground market.

 

Thailand has long maintained a strict regimen on alcohol sales, prohibiting purchases during the mid-afternoon hours from 2 pm to 5 pm. Ostensibly, these laws aim to curb alcohol consumption and associated social issues. However, Dr. Somchai Suriwong, a renowned public health specialist, has brought these regulations into question, suggesting they may do more harm than good.

 

Dr. Somchai argues that the curfews could inadvertently fuel illegal sales, as many consumers turn to the black market when facing legal purchasing restrictions.

 

This underground market, he claims, is not only difficult to regulate but also deprives the government of significant tax revenue—potential funds that could be redirected towards public health initiatives.

 

According to Dr. Somchai, "Current regulations are not achieving the intended results. Instead, there's an increase in illicit trade and a missed opportunity for public health investment."

The economic impact is not negligible either, with legitimate businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors, facing reduced revenues during curfew hours. Hoteliers and restaurateurs have voiced frustrations, noting that such restrictions not only deter tourists but also dent their bottom line during peak afternoon hours when leisure travellers typically unwind.

 

In a recent proposal to the government committee overseeing alcohol legislation, Dr. Somchai advocated for a shift in policy. He suggests extending permitted sales times in hotels that comply with established safety standards and commit to cooperative measures aimed at combatting drunk-driving incidents.

 

For instance, hotels might be required to provide transport or designate safe drinking zones to qualify for extended licensing.

 

Enabling responsible consumption rather than restricting access could yield better outcomes, argues Dr. Somchai. He proposes using a portion of the additional tax revenue from extended sales times—which could amount to significant sums in Thai Baht—to bolster road safety campaigns and addiction support services.

 

Public opinion remains divided. Some fear that extended hours might exacerbate alcohol-related issues, while others echo Dr. Somchai’s sentiments, appreciating the potential economic and social benefits.

 

This call for a policy overhaul comes against the backdrop of Thailand's evolving strategies in addressing public health challenges whilst seeking to bolster its tourism sector. Whether this will spark a re-evaluation of alcohol laws remains to be seen, yet the debate is likely to persist as stakeholders balance health concerns with economic vitality, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-06

 

 

[proton]

I'm too pissed to read it all 😁

[Felt 35]

17 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thailand's stringent alcohol regulations

 

What is so stringent with the alcohol regulations here⁉️I think its look like people can, and get drunk anytime

Felt

[nakhonandy]

The 2 - 5 rule of no alcohol sales is ridiculous. Longer opening hours don't necessarily mean longer or more drinking!

Also if anyone wants to buy alcohol between 2 and 5 they just ignore supermarkets and the 7/11, pop in a local Thai shop and buy it, no problem. 

[dinsdale]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Thailand has long maintained a strict regimen on alcohol sales, prohibiting purchases during the mid-afternoon hours from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Why is it that every article (bar none?) only ever mentions the 2-5 pm prohibition and never the midnight to 11 am hours. Fact is there are 14 hours of sales prohibition not 3. 

[Tropicalevo]

The only folk that cannot get alcohol because of the ' selling times', are tourists.

Even then, many tourists find a way around it.

Those of us that live here usually have no problems buying alcohol any time, any day.

(Even during the Covid ban.)

Pubs and bars are the big losers.

 

One crazy consequence - friends tried to buy zero alcohol Heineken between 2 - 5pm.

Girl at the till said 'sorry, cannot sell beer.'