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A recent survey by ThaiHealth reveals alarming ignorance among Thais regarding the link between alcohol consumption and cancer. This oversight plays a significant role in the escalating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) crisis in Thailand. The study’s findings were discussed at a forum jointly organised by the Centre for Alcohol Studies, the Association of Thai NCD Alliance, and ThaiHealth.

 

According to Dr Pairoj Saonuam, deputy CEO of ThaiHealth, the NCD crisis, fuelled by obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, is exacerbated by the country's alcohol consumption habits. He pointed out that four out of five respondents experienced harm from others' drinking, with alcohol-related economic losses surpassing 165 billion Thai baht in 2021 alone.

 

The survey, which included 3,924 participants from 12 provinces, showed over 90% of respondents were unaware of alcohol's carcinogenic properties, despite its classification as a Group 1 carcinogen linked to eight types of cancer. "This highlights the urgent need for accurate risk communication," Dr Pairoj emphasised.

 

Assoc Prof Dr Roengrudee Patanavanich from Mahidol University noted that 17.1 million Thais aged 15 and above consumed alcohol in the past month, with 7.7 million drinking heavily. This pattern is particularly concerning among teenagers, where male and female consumption rates nearly match those seen in Western countries. Alcohol consumption is also prevalent among those with chronic diseases.

 

The Centre for Alcohol Studies director, Assoc Prof Dr Polathep Vichitkunakorn, added that Thailand ranks as the third highest in alcohol consumption within ASEAN. He stressed the need for stronger national policies as alcohol leads to deaths every ten seconds through injuries and NCDs like heart and liver disease, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Most Thais are unaware of the alcohol-cancer link, worsening NCD issues.
• 2021 saw alcohol-related economic losses exceed 165 billion Thai baht.
• Teen drinking rates in Thailand mirror troubling Western trends.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-12

 

 

 

Only in Thailand... All over the world alcohol is consumed. For ages, but in Thailand everything is different and a reason to develop cancer.. It is not written that the air pollution is more dangerous to develop cancer... It are the things the Thai Government and army wants to control to make people afraid.. smoking no problem, but vaping ... dangerous. Alcohol be careful for cancer, the fermented fish ( palaa) is good.. although it is know it can cause livercancer

Sugar, which is all pervasive, is worse. 

2 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

Sugar, which is all pervasive, is worse.

Sugar is the new tobacco. They hide its content in food by using about 150 different names. Their lobby group behave like the tobacco giants back in the day. Evil. Criminal.

Alcohol only gives you health problems if you buy it and drink it between 2-5 PM...

from Google

 

"Epidemiological studies have suggested that alcohol consumption is associated with an increased incidence of cancer. However, a direct causal relationship has not been established, except in cases of chronic alcohol abuse leading to liver cancer. In animal studies, alcohol alone does not appear to induce cancer."

 

"alcohol consumption is associated with"

"direct causal relationship has not been established"

 

but if /google

is alc0h0l Group 1 carcinogen linked to eight types of cancer?

 

Google returns the following:

 

"Yes, alcohol is a confirmed Group 1 carcinogen (meaning it causes cancer), strongly linked to at least seven cancers: mouth, throat (pharynx & larynx), esophagus, liver, bowel (colorectal), and breast (in women). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it this way, placing it in the highest risk category with substances like tobacco and asbestos, and new evidence suggests links to pancreatic and stomach cancers too. "

 

???

 

I would say that the majority of Thais are ignorant of the potential adverse health impacts of most things, from foods and drinks to household cleaning chemicals to consuming any medications, etc.

 

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

Only in Thailand... All over the world alcohol is consumed. For ages, but in Thailand everything is different and a reason to develop cancer.. It is not written that the air pollution is more dangerous to develop cancer... It are the things the Thai Government and army wants to control to make people afraid.. smoking no problem, but vaping ... dangerous. Alcohol be careful for cancer, the fermented fish ( palaa) is good.. although it is know it can cause livercancer

 

It is not only in Thailand.  On the contrary, Thailand has been late to address the issue.

The link between cancer and alcohol consumption has been established for years and is no secret in regions where preventative health care is practiced. Almost every Public health department in western countries has issued alcohol warnings. Label changes  are expected in some countries.  Beginning in 2026, containers of beer, wine and liquor sold in Ireland will be required by law to bear a label in red capital letters with two warnings: “There Is a Direct Link Between Alcohol and Fatal Cancers” and “Drinking Alcohol Causes Liver Disease.” South Korea has the standard health warnings, and rotates in a cancer warning. Canada is expected to implement its label advisory within a year. The EU is still reviewing its proposed wording change. It has met resistance from the wine lobby.

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Only in Thailand... All over the world alcohol is consumed. For ages, but in Thailand everything is different and a reason to develop cancer.. It is not written that the air pollution is more dangerous to develop cancer... It are the things the Thai Government and army wants to control to make people afraid.. smoking no problem, but vaping ... dangerous. Alcohol be careful for cancer, the fermented fish ( palaa) is good.. although it is know it can cause livercancer

Not to mention the lasting damage air pollution dose to children's lungs, come on Thailand wake up.

 

Read up David Nutt:

 

"Alcohol more harmful than heroin"

 

Actually, he says more than one serving of alcohol a year in dangerous to health. He's invented Sentia alcohol-free spirits. Does anybody know where to buy in Thailand? 

6 hours ago, Des1 said:

Sugar is the new tobacco. They hide its content in food by using about 150 different names. Their lobby group behave like the tobacco giants back in the day. Evil. Criminal.

sorry to quote myself, just forgot to mention an important point... food manufacturers love sugar because it makes their products taste better .. more sales. So you will hear no complaint from them.

What has changed over the last 4 years?

 

A sudden spike in cancers, defibrillators in public places, young people suddenly dropping dead from heart attacks and strokes.  Did Thais just discover alcohol? Is air and water pollution a new phenomenon in Thailand?  I don't know what it is, but something has changed since 2021. 

everything.. just NOT the jabs...crazy world we live in

On 12/11/2025 at 10:39 PM, unblocktheplanet said:

Read up David Nutt:

 

"Alcohol more harmful than heroin"

 

Actually, he says more than one serving of alcohol a year in dangerous to health. He's invented Sentia alcohol-free spirits. Does anybody know where to buy in Thailand? 

 

An unfortunate name to be preaching the dangers of a product that has been consumed for thousands of years with no apparent ill-effects when taken in moderation, which is the case for the vast majority of the world's population.

On 12/12/2025 at 7:12 AM, daveAustin said:

Sugar, which is all pervasive, is worse. 

And Thais have an overwhelming taste for it...

On 12/12/2025 at 7:18 AM, Des1 said:

Sugar is the new tobacco. They hide its content in food by using about 150 different names. Their lobby group behave like the tobacco giants back in the day. Evil. Criminal.

Coca-Cola, contains how much sugar? 

19 hours ago, Bobthegimp said:

What has changed over the last 4 years?

 

A sudden spike in cancers, defibrillators in public places, young people suddenly dropping dead from heart attacks and strokes.  Did Thais just discover alcohol? Is air and water pollution a new phenomenon in Thailand?  I don't know what it is, but something has changed since 2021. 

just a precursor ... you really think the change allowing sales between 2-5 was going to last ?

 

 let's see.    probably the big  3 in Thailand   

 Cigarettes .! Cigarettes release over 7,000 chemicals when burned, with at least 250 being harmful and around 70 known to cause cancer

Diesel Exhaust.. Diesel exhaust contains soot and carcinogenic compounds (Group 1 carcinogens), linked to lung cancer and respiratory issues.

Crop Burning ..Burning fields release toxic smoke with fine particles (PM2.5) and gases (like formaldehyde, benzene) causing serious health risks: immediate issues like coughing, eye/nose irritation, headaches, asthma, and severe long-term problems including heart attacks, strokes, bronchitis, and various cancers

 

Sugar     a no brainer  just so sad most people would rather fight about than admit how bad it is

Excess sugar poses major health risks, driving weight gain, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, and tooth decay, by causing inflammation, increasing belly fat, disrupting insulin, and raising triglycerides. It also impacts skin, mood, cognition, and can even lead to addiction, as it provides little nutrients while spiking blood sugar and contributing to chronic inflammation and metabolic syndrome. 

On 12/11/2025 at 8:50 PM, webfact said:

file photo

 

A recent survey by ThaiHealth reveals alarming ignorance among Thais regarding the link between alcohol consumption and cancer. This oversight plays a significant role in the escalating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) crisis in Thailand. The study’s findings were discussed at a forum jointly organised by the Centre for Alcohol Studies, the Association of Thai NCD Alliance, and ThaiHealth.

 

According to Dr Pairoj Saonuam, deputy CEO of ThaiHealth, the NCD crisis, fuelled by obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, is exacerbated by the country's alcohol consumption habits. He pointed out that four out of five respondents experienced harm from others' drinking, with alcohol-related economic losses surpassing 165 billion Thai baht in 2021 alone.

 

The survey, which included 3,924 participants from 12 provinces, showed over 90% of respondents were unaware of alcohol's carcinogenic properties, despite its classification as a Group 1 carcinogen linked to eight types of cancer. "This highlights the urgent need for accurate risk communication," Dr Pairoj emphasised.

 

Assoc Prof Dr Roengrudee Patanavanich from Mahidol University noted that 17.1 million Thais aged 15 and above consumed alcohol in the past month, with 7.7 million drinking heavily. This pattern is particularly concerning among teenagers, where male and female consumption rates nearly match those seen in Western countries. Alcohol consumption is also prevalent among those with chronic diseases.

 

The Centre for Alcohol Studies director, Assoc Prof Dr Polathep Vichitkunakorn, added that Thailand ranks as the third highest in alcohol consumption within ASEAN. He stressed the need for stronger national policies as alcohol leads to deaths every ten seconds through injuries and NCDs like heart and liver disease, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Most Thais are unaware of the alcohol-cancer link, worsening NCD issues.
• 2021 saw alcohol-related economic losses exceed 165 billion Thai baht.
• Teen drinking rates in Thailand mirror troubling Western trends.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-12

 

 

 

Sad to say after 46 years on this planet I only just learned of this today. Never knew there was a direct link,🤷‍♂️fortunately I gave up alcohol after the puking up blood episode 10 years ago, only smoke the weed now as that’s not linked to any cancers 🫣

On 12/12/2025 at 11:12 AM, daveAustin said:

Sugar, which is all pervasive, is worse. 

??

Nothing wrong with sugar in coffee darl 

Nothing wrong with chocolate , oh get a life 

Starting on Red Barrel at 15 years old, in 1963, I have led a musicians lifetime of drinking', smoking and womanizing.

Does having my gall bladder out last year count. That's about all I have had.

Oh yes, and the Snip 25 years ago.

4 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

??

Nothing wrong with sugar in coffee darl 

Nothing wrong with chocolate , oh get a life 

Sugar is sugar whether it is in your coffee, the cake you eat with it, fizzy drinks or Thai food.

On 12/12/2025 at 1:56 PM, Des1 said:

sorry to quote myself, just forgot to mention an important point... food manufacturers love sugar because it makes their products taste better .. more sales. So you will hear no complaint from them.

Nor me, we love sugar and salt, but like anything, in moderation......

20 minutes ago, Will Iam Not said:

Starting on Red Barrel at 15 years old, in 1963, I have led a musicians lifetime of drinking', smoking and womanizing.

Does having my gall bladder out last year count. That's about all I have had.

Oh yes, and the Snip 25 years ago.

You won't have long so keep drinking and don't make buy a yearly lottery ticket 

14 minutes ago, transam said:

Nor me, we love sugar and salt, but like anything, in moderation......

Oh I love the salt & vinegar crisps 

Thais are not taught about health and safety from alcohol, cigarettes, vaping, drugs etc....and that's only things they consume, nevermind other things in daily life, driving, working etc...totaly naive...and worse still, don't want to learn, ask any foreigner who has tried to explain to a thai.

2 hours ago, claret1 said:

Coca-Cola, contains how much sugar? 

           tons of it , but its in virtually else too, sometimes where one would not expect it , tins of baked beans for example.   In fact if one tried to eat exclusively only sugar free food it would be nearly impossible.   

           Some foods labelled as "sugar free" contain chemicals that are reputed to  be 5000 times sweeter than sugar, just think how good for ones health they must be.

           And another thing , its all well and good forcing food companies to list the ingredients on the packaging , but why are they allowed to print it in "micro text"  pretty much unreadable to the naked eye

21 hours ago, Bobthegimp said:

I don't know what it is, but something has changed since 2021. 

You know exactly what it is , but you dare not mention it for fear of getting bombarded with charts and statistics by a certain member on here who seems to have dedicated his life to promoting the "safe and effective" vaccines with the zeal of a born again bible basher,

   Can't say I blame you

8 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

           tons of it , but its in virtually else too, sometimes where one would not expect it , tins of baked beans for example.   In fact if one tried to eat exclusively only sugar free food it would be nearly impossible.   

           Some foods labelled as "sugar free" contain chemicals that are reputed to  be 5000 times sweeter than sugar, just think how good for ones health they must be.

           And another thing , its all well and good forcing food companies to list the ingredients on the packaging , but why are they allowed to print it in "micro text"  pretty much unreadable to the naked eye

Yet everything we eat is converted to sugar in the gut. We need energy to live and that is from sugar in one form or another. They key is moderation.

30 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

Yet everything we eat is converted to sugar in the gut. We need energy to live and that is from sugar in one form or another. They key is moderation.

In one form or another being the salient point,  We do not require any white refined sugar in our diets at all including  "in moderation"

2 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

In one form or another being the salient point,  We do not require any white refined sugar in our diets at all including  "in moderation"

Do you know the difference between raw sugar and white sugar?

Or any sugars?