WHO report reveals Thailand is reeling under a liquor tsunami

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WHO report reveals Thailand is reeling under a liquor tsunami
David Swartzentruber
Special to The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) released its "2014 Global report on alcohol and health" on May 12 and the statistics and trends are not good news for Thailand. The report has serious implications for Thailand's continued economic growth and the health and well-being of its labour force to achieve that growth.

The 392-page report contains a page on each of the 194 member-states of WHO as well as global rates of alcohol consumption for comparison.

The average amount of pure alcohol consumed in Thailand by each adult, (15 years and older), increased to 7.1 litres between 2008 and 2010, up from 6.8 litres between 2003 and 2005. The latest global average is 6.21 litres of alcohol per capita, but the figure for Southeast Asia is 3.4 litres per capita - less than half of Thailand's consumption rate. In various surveys published online, Thailand is ranked fourth-highest in the world for consumption of alcohol.

This is even more startling when you consider that 70.3 per cent of Thais are recorded as abstainers. The remaining 30 per cent more than make up for those who don't drink. The total alcohol consumption for Thai men in 2010 was 30.3 litres of pure alcohol and for women, 5.2 litres.

Moving to the health sector, Thailand received the highest rating of 5 for the number of "Years of Life Lost", based on 2012 data. Deaths from cirrhosis of the liver were 28. 2 per 100,000 citizens for men and 8.7 for women. The death rate for road accidents using the same criteria was 70.3 for men and 18.5 for women.

Amid the barrage of statistics, it is important to note the types of alcohol consumed by Thais. In Thailand, 73 per cent of the alcohol consumed is spirits, 27 per cent is beer, while wine is less than 1 per cent.

Let's compare that profile with neighbouring Myanmar's. Although supposedly a less advanced country than Thailand, Myanmar's alcohol-use profile resembles that of some Western countries: 6 per cent wine, 12 per cent spirits and 82 per cent beer.

The profile of the United States is 12 per cent spirits, 40 per cent wine and 48 per cent beer.

Cause and effect

To trace the cause of Thailand's poor showing in the WHO report one only has to walk down the aisle of any store here that sells alcohol.

On the liquor shelf I noted the price of Thailand's top-selling whiskey - Bt239 for a 70cl bottle of Hong Thong (35 per cent alcohol). Next to it was the even cheaper Song Sam -Bt271 and 40 per cent proof. On the next shelf down, Rongkaw white spirits (popularly known as lao khao), the world's second largest spirits brand according to trade publication the Shanken Daily Report, was just Bt99 for 40 per cent alcohol.

Looking across the aisle, I spied three solitary bottles of wine produced in Thailand. I chose one for reference, the Siam White Blend 2012 vintage produced by Siam Winery, a 750ml bottle with 12.5 per cent alcohol priced at Bt299.

Thailand's most recent change to excise tax on alcohol came in September 2013. Beer and wine saw significant tax increases, while lao khao and other spirits saw only minor increases. While this may keep the pockets of Thai liquor barons well-lined, it is and has been a disaster for Thailand's health and social fabric.

A major issue is that the Thai Public Health Ministry, as well as other health agencies, do not have any input on excise tax policy. Then-Finance Minister Kittirong na Ranong said September's change was made according to "ministerial regulation". In other words, behind closed doors.

Most certainly, alcoholism has become such a major issue in Thailand that there should be public hearings of stakeholders in the industry when a change in the excise tax is contemplated. Participants could include the Thai Hotel Association, Tourism Authority of Thailand, owners of five-star hotels, importers and distributors of alcohol products, owners of Thai distilleries and consumer groups.

Health groups have helped push through various regulations, apparently to show that they are capable of doing something. The most ridiculous is the ban on the sale of alcohol from 2 to 5pm in stores. The ill-conceived concept behind this move was that it would prevent "schoolboys" from obtaining alcohol. However, the last time I looked at a schoolboy, he appeared to be well below the legal drinking age of 20. This regulation is a prime example of bureaucratic overkill and those behind it have since let it be known that the measure simply does not work.

One of the goals of any successful alcohol programme is to move drinkers toward drinks that contain less alcohol, for example beer and wine rather than spirits. The main legislative vehicle to make that move is usually the tax structure, but that concept has not penetrated political minds in Thailand.

Although editorial writers in both of Thailand's English-language newspapers recently suggested that education and enforcement of laws against drunk driving were keys to alcohol control, I suggest that those are mid- to long-term goals. How long will it take to reform the curriculum in Thai schools as well as reform the traffic police?

Without question, the first step is to actually tax the amount of alcohol in beverages, which simply is not being done at this time.

The WHO report can be viewed at http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/en/.

David Swartzentruber worked as a clinical psychologist in the United States, dealing with the medical and social issues involved with alcoholism.


-- The Nation 2014-06-19

[Stradavarius37]

Love to see the general make the liquor taxes fair across the board. White spirits are the bane of the Thai worker, and should be taxed much more heavily. Time for General Superman Prayuth to take action!

[smileplur]

Next to it was the even cheaper Song Sam -Bt271 and 40 per cent proof.

Lovely writing! What is this?

I agree that the taxes on alcohol don't make any sense to me. They do drive people, especially lower-income groups, to drink "the hard stuff" because there's a financial incentive to do so. Go sit on any beach chair and watch the Thai men. Do the same at any bar frequented by Thais. It's always a bottle of whiskey, ice, and mixers. While most Thai men I know do like to drink beer, they tend to drink more whiskey than beer. The argument that people should be encouraged to drink less spririts and more beer seems like a valid first step for me. These number are astounding if 70% of the population actually does abstain.

[ClutchClark]

The casual use of the word Tsunami in the title seems callous given the tragic loss of life in Thailand from a Tsunami.

[jaltsc]

"Thailand is ranked fourth-highest in the world for consumption of alcohol."

Thailand-The Hub of Hootch.

Edited June 18, 2014 by jaltsc

[siampolee]

Truth be known this is not a problem confined to Thailand alone. The binge drinking antics in the U.K. are horrendous in their impact upon on peoples (victims) lives.

The pace of modern living, the pressure peer wise, work wise and financially are driving people to drink in their attempts forget their or at least temporarily dull the vision of their daily lives.

Increased taxation is not the answer, the money would be found for the desired item (alcohol), education and social awareness of the dangers of over indulgence in drinking, eating smoking and financial planning would be one small step forward in attempting to tackle this problem.

Edited June 19, 2014 by siampolee

[jaidam]

The article missed out on the worst effect of alcohol consumption, and that is having to sit and suffer the ramblings of the inebriated bore. Death by a thousand razor blades is preferable to being a captive audience of the barfly's droning monologue. Ban the bloody lot of it.

[NongKhaiKid]

"Thailand is ranked fourth-highest in the world for consumption of alcohol."

Thailand-The Hub of Hootch.

I categorically deny this is anything to do with me and will have no hesitation in employing Thailand's ' user friendly ' defamation laws if necessary.

[BSJ]

Next to it was the even cheaper Song Sam -Bt271 and 40 per cent proof.

Lovely writing! What is this?

I agree that the taxes on alcohol don't make any sense to me. They do drive people, especially lower-income groups, to drink "the hard stuff" because there's a financial incentive to do so. Go sit on any beach chair and watch the Thai men. Do the same at any bar frequented by Thais. It's always a bottle of whiskey, ice, and mixers. While most Thai men I know do like to drink beer, they tend to drink more whiskey than beer. The argument that people should be encouraged to drink less spririts and more beer seems like a valid first step for me. These number are astounding if 70% of the population actually does abstain.

" The argument that people should be encouraged to drink less spririts and more beer seems like a valid first step for me. " Isn't it somewhat ironic suggesting heavy drinkers switch drinks and drink more!

[petedk]

Just had a quick glance at the report and there are many countries with a average consumption of more than 10 litres per year.

This is just sensationalism.

I agree some some people drink a lot but when compared to European countries it's nothing.

[TimCM]

I am confused. Another topic says Thai's are 95% Buddhist, yet Buddhists done drink alcohol.

The remaining 5% must be insane alcoholics or are the figures distorted by us expats

[Bulldozer Dawn]

The root of this problem is inept policing.

No one here gives a second thought to downing a bottle of whiskey and jumping into his Vigo. (Fortuna if in Bangkok).

Serious breath testing and ENFORCEMENT with real penalties commensurate with the west would see the alcohol consumption figures here plummet.

It would also serve the added purpose of reducing the carnage on Thai roads.

There are lots and lots of police in Thailand. There is zero policing.

[wealth]

Just had a quick glance at the report and there are many countries with a average consumption of more than 10 litres per year.

This is just sensationalism.

I agree some some people drink a lot but when compared to European countries it's nothing.

... it's the intake of pure alcohol and not the volume of certain drinks.

[taony]

but, but, they don't sell alcohol here between 2 and 5!

[daveAustin]

If they want to curtail alcohol consumption they should plonk a heavy tax on soda water. Have you guys seen how much of that stuff the average native douses over their whisky!?

[happyinthailand]

Just look at the Forbes Rich List and you will see that the alcohol tycoons have had the government in their pocket. I doubt very much that Prayuth can do much about it as he also needs powerful civilians on his side. I do however wish the new government would change the tax structure to discourage spirits consumption.

[chooka]

What sort of impact does 30 million tourists who come to party have?

[hyperdimension]

" The argument that people should be encouraged to drink less spririts and more beer seems like a valid first step for me. " Isn't it somewhat ironic suggesting heavy drinkers switch drinks and drink more!

Yes, it's a bit silly that the writer recommends switching drinks instead of abstaining or quitting, drinking less or less often.

I think the best solution is to legalize much less harmful alternative recreational drugs like MDMA or cannabis. The ethanol producers have had their monopoly for far too long and at great cost to the health of the worldwide human population.

[Kalbo]

The casual use of the word Tsunami in the title seems callous given the tragic loss of life in Thailand from a Tsunami.

Don't be such a soft-cocked P.C. git and harden the <deleted> up. Next thing you'll be complaining about the use of the word 'car' because of the number of deaths they cause on Thai roads.

[trd]

The casual use of the word Tsunami in the title seems callous given the tragic loss of life in Thailand from a Tsunami.

Oh please. Let's not start censoring words now. If I say I woke up feeling like death am I disrespecting dead people?

[hyperdimension]

Song Sam -Bt271 and 40 per cent proof

The correct name is "Sang Som".

[hyperdimension]

What sort of impact does 30 million tourists who come to party have?

What sort of impact on tourism will there be if much more enjoyable and less harmful recreational drugs like MDMA, cannabis and magic mushrooms are legalized in Thailand?

[JesseFrank]

Fine they banned smoking, now they going to try to ban alcohol.

Something springs to mind

[fab4]

First they taxed Wine and I did not speak out--
Because I don’t drink wine

Then they taxed Foreign Lager , and I did not speak out--
Because I don’t drink Carlsberg

Then they taxed Cider , and I did not speak out--
Because I don’t drink fermented apple juice.

Then they taxed Lao Khao -- then I knew they were taking the p*** !

Edited June 19, 2014 by fab4

[blazes]

It would be interesting to know whether the WHO includes all the bar-flies from the outside world in its statistics.

[robblok]

First they taxed Wine and I did not speak out--

Because I don’t drink wine

Then they taxed Foreign Lager , and I did not speak out--

Because I don’t drink Carlsberg

Then they taxed Cider , and I did not speak out--

Because I don’t drink fermented apple juice.

Then they taxed Lao Khao -- then I knew they were taking the p*** !

Funny one, I am against taxing things too much. However if you got free healthcare and the results of drinking strain those budgets a lot because those drinking don't pay more as those not drinking one has to wonder.

I mean why would everyone have to pay more taxes to support healthcare for those that drink too much and damage their body. Isnt it better to use the taxes from alcohol for this ?.

Of course foreigners don't get the free healthcare but as we are a minority I do see the sense.

I am a firm believer to put the cost with those who cause it.

[JesseFrank]

First they taxed Wine and I did not speak out--

Because I don’t drink wine

Then they taxed Foreign Lager , and I did not speak out--

Because I don’t drink Carlsberg

Then they taxed Cider , and I did not speak out--

Because I don’t drink fermented apple juice.

Then they taxed Lao Khao -- then I knew they were taking the p*** !

Funny one, I am against taxing things too much. However if you got free healthcare and the results of drinking strain those budgets a lot because those drinking don't pay more as those not drinking one has to wonder.

I mean why would everyone have to pay more taxes to support healthcare for those that drink too much and damage their body. Isnt it better to use the taxes from alcohol for this ?.

Of course foreigners don't get the free healthcare but as we are a minority I do see the sense.

I am a firm believer to put the cost with those who cause it.

They should also ban the use of cars and motorbikes, because the pollution weighs on the free health care.

At the same time they should ban sodas, sugars, the uv rays from the sun etc for the same reason.

No, it is all about CONTROL.

[robblok]

First they taxed Wine and I did not speak out--

Because I don’t drink wine

Then they taxed Foreign Lager , and I did not speak out--

Because I don’t drink Carlsberg

Then they taxed Cider , and I did not speak out--

Because I don’t drink fermented apple juice.

Then they taxed Lao Khao -- then I knew they were taking the p*** !

Funny one, I am against taxing things too much. However if you got free healthcare and the results of drinking strain those budgets a lot because those drinking don't pay more as those not drinking one has to wonder.

I mean why would everyone have to pay more taxes to support healthcare for those that drink too much and damage their body. Isnt it better to use the taxes from alcohol for this ?.

Of course foreigners don't get the free healthcare but as we are a minority I do see the sense.

I am a firm believer to put the cost with those who cause it.

They should also ban the use of cars and motorbikes, because the pollution weighs on the free health care.

At the same time they should ban sodas, sugars, the uv rays from the sun etc for the same reason.

No, it is all about CONTROL.

There is already quite a bit of tax on fuel. Maybe your a heavy drinker.. they hate tax on alcohol.

My argument was quite sound as this article showed.

[tim armstrong]

The problem IS very serious in Thailand, and in many other countries. The only thing that has worked in Australia is much tougher driving laws, which are strictly enforced. Over the whole Christmas /New Year period, being over the limit can result in automatic loss of license, heavy fine, and even jail. My sons and their friends either stay over,or have designated drivers. Australia used to have the worst alcohol related road accident rate in the world, but its much better now. But the Friday night syndrome is now totally out of control, even though alcohol is taxed heavily. There is no easy solution, but increasing taxes here would help. Promoting sport in schools and encouraging healthy active lifestyles may help too. Personally I'd like to ban mobile phones for a while, but I guess people would drink more.

[soalbundy]

The casual use of the word Tsunami in the title seems callous given the tragic loss of life in Thailand from a Tsunami.

Don't be such a soft-cocked P.C. git and harden the <deleted> up. Next thing you'll be complaining about the use of the word 'car' because of the number of deaths they cause on Thai roads.

well written,these PC plonkers ought to be made to wear school uniforms and suck dummies