File photo for reference only

 

The Stop Drink Network Thailand (SDN) is urging immediate legal action from the Ministry of Public Health against unauthorised alcohol vending machines. These machines currently operate without permits due to a lack of clear regulations, posing significant public health concerns. SDN has called for swift issuance of an organic law to eliminate legal loopholes that allow their operation.

 

The plea from SDN coincides with recent amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, effective from 8th November. This amended act overturns the previous ban on alcohol vending machines. However, it mandates that machines must verify buyers' identities and ages to prevent sales to minors and intoxicated individuals, yet guidelines for these requirements are not in place.

 

Lack of defined rules means current operators of these vending machines are in violation of the law. Theera Watcharapranee, SDN manager, stresses that legal action is essential to prevent minors from accessing alcohol and to stop sales during restricted times. He mentioned some business operators have falsely suggested restrictions on sale hours have been lifted, leading to public confusion.

 

The existing law still enforces selling time regulations from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to midnight, a stipulation made by the Prime Minister’s Office. Although the new act repeals some older regulations, the current selling hours remain unchanged. SDN emphasises the inappropriate spreading of misinformation by business operators for profit, reported Bangkok Post.

 

To combat misunderstandings and prevent violations, the network urges clear dissemination of information about the new act. It underscores provisions banning sales to individuals under 20, promotions like discounts, and hawking, with fines or imprisonment for violations. SDN calls for rapid implementation of supporting legislation and public education initiatives.

 

Looking ahead, Theera states that cooperation with the Ministry is key to safeguarding public welfare from alcohol-related harms. “The ministry must urgently issue an organic law to ensure complete control of alcohol sales,” insists Theera, emphasising the need to close legal loopholes and protect the public.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• SDN demands legal action against unauthorised alcohol vending machines.
• New Alcoholic Beverage Control Act requires machine regulations.
• Lack of clear rules leads to illegal machine operations.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-11-06

 

 

There are many questions such as where do these machines come from, who is the owner, where is the permission to place them, who gave the permission, etc... Again a lack of regulations and enforcements.. It seems that everyone can be done in Thailand until someone start to complain...Why not first ask permission at the Chamber of Commerce before starting a business or use these machines for example.

I have never seen one in Thailand.

 

Has anyone seen them?

The machine in photo is in Japan. There many all over especially by hotels and alleyways that sell food

42 minutes ago, rwill said:

I have never seen one in Thailand.

 

Has anyone seen them?

Came to the comments with the same question - I've never seen one in more than a decade in Thailand and my understanding is that they've long been illegal anyway. 

23 minutes ago, Bigwave12 said:

The machine in photo is in Japan. There many all over especially by hotels and alleyways that sell food

Smart operaters come to countries in Asia like Thailand don't waste months or years trying to get approvals for new ventures as it is easier to start your project and wait and see what happens and one day someone will wake up and ask for their permit. If it has proven popular with the local people they may issue a permit to operate but if not they can just take their idea and move somwhere else. Meanwhie they have made a tiny profit.

1 hour ago, rwill said:

I have never seen one in Thailand.

 

Has anyone seen them?

 

In over 30 years, I've never seen or heard of a single one - I honestly have no idea what they're talking about.

Negative news comment & reply removed 

 

@SABloke

 

@flaming dragon

I've never seen an alcohol vending machine outside of Japan.

Where are they? I've never seen such a machine in Thailand that sells alcohol.

Is this an April 1st fools joke? Nobody has seen such vending machines. The Stop Drink Network Thailand (SDN) must have the only one in Thailand in the companies forum. Wherever that maybe?

On 11/6/2025 at 4:14 AM, webfact said:

alcohol vending machines.

 

Is this brewed for such vending machines?

 

I much prefer to buy my beer and wine at my convenient mom and pop shop.

Thats awesome, any pics of Thai ones ?

On 11/6/2025 at 4:14 AM, webfact said:

The Stop Drink Network Thailand (SDN) is urging immediate legal action from the Ministry of Public Health against unauthorised alcohol vending machines. These machines currently operate without permits due to a lack of clear regulations, posing significant public health concerns. SDN has called for swift issuance of an organic law to eliminate legal loopholes that allow their operation.

Yet another ill-thought out law..

On 11/7/2025 at 8:49 AM, lordblackader said:

Came to the comments with the same question - I've never seen one in more than a decade in Thailand and my understanding is that they've long been illegal anyway. 

Never seen one myself been here 20 years