Report Thai Senate Gives Thumbs Up to Alcohol Control Bill

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Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

In a decisive move, Thailand's Senate has approved a bill aimed at tightening control over alcohol advertising and sponsorships. The bill received 105 votes in favour, with only two opposing votes and 12 abstentions. This legislation now awaits further approval to become law.

 

The approved bill introduces a series of restrictions on alcohol promotion. Key provisions include a ban on ads that encourage drinking, while allowing educational messages under strict guidelines. It also prohibits using celebrity endorsements to promote alcohol consumption, except in academic contexts.

 

Existing laws already limit alcohol promotion, but the new bill strengthens these rules significantly, as reported by Thai Rath.

 

Advertising that uses alcohol brands or imagery as indirect promotion is outlawed. Additionally, sponsorship of public events that might indirectly promote drinking is strictly prohibited.

 

The law aims to protect public health by restricting alcohol-related marketing tactics. The next step involves the Prime Minister presenting the bill to the King for royal assent.

 

Once signed, it will be published in the Government Gazette and take effect, with further regulations to detail its implementation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Rath 2025-08-05