Alcohol Control Bill Rejected - Party Time!

[TaxinMeter]

The Nation reports that the drinking age will remain at 18:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/18...es_30016520.php

So the whole "reconsidering" will in the end turn out to be a face saving exercise. Much ado about...not much.

[LaoPo]

The Nation reports that the drinking age will remain at 18:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/18...es_30016520.php

So the whole "reconsidering" will in the end turn out to be a face saving exercise. Much ado about...not much.

Good news!

From the above site:

""Since people of age 18 are eligible to vote, they should be mature enough to think for themselves on anything else," said the doctor.

Good Doctor

LaoPo

[konangrit]

Seems to be the final nail in the coffin for this crazy idea. Good news.

[britmaveric]

Yes - let the kiddies over 18 drink sensiblely!!

[george]

Update:

Alcohol restrictions may face court hurdle

BANGKOK: -- The Federation on Alcohol Control of Thailand (FACT) has threatened to ask the Supreme Administrative Court to call a halt to the Public Health Ministry's austere alcohol-control measures.

"We are discussing with the federation's lawyers about filing the petition as the Public Health Ministry has abused its power by enforcing new rules without consulting private operators," Boonchuay Tongcharoenpulporn, secretary-general of the new organisation, said yesterday.

Also yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration vowed to carry on with implementing the comprehensive alcohol advertising ban, while the Public Health Ministry backed down on raising the minimum age for buying alcohol from 18 to 25 years. These are two of the restrictions contained in the draft alcohol zoning and control bill.

Manit Arunakoon, deputy secretary-general of the FDA, said he has signed the regulations to enforce the 24-hour ad ban and any violators would be arrested.

"This issue has been reviewed and it won't be relaxed," he said.

Boonchuay said that within two weeks, FACT - consisting of 24 associations representing alcohol importers, Thai restaurants, hotels and alcohol beverage producers - would sum up the disadvantages of the new law for submission to the ministries of Education, Industry, Natural Resources and Human Security, besides the Public Health Ministry.

Warathep Rangchaikul, CEO of Riche Monde (Bangkok) Co Ltd, a local distributor of Scotch whiskies, said his company might scrap the March 2007 Johnnie Walker golf tournament in Phuket if the law is enforced.

Designed to boost the resort island's tourism industry after the 2004 tsunami, the competition is expected to draw 10,000 visitors spending about Bt8 billion.

"Cancellation would deal a blow to Thailand's credibility as the event was supposed to be broadcast worldwide and covered by foreign media," Warathep said, adding Riche Monde has already spent 20 per cent of its Bt2 billion promotional budget for the tournament.

Wimonwan Udomporn of Riche Monde (Bangkok) said the ad ban would deprive the public of alcohol product information as well as social activities. It was also not fair as some alcohol businesses could sponsor foreign sports events and have their logos telecast here.

The damage would spill over to banner producers, hotels, restaurants and others in the tourism industry as alcohol companies would be discouraged from sponsoring any social activities. About 30,000 people might lose their jobs.

Breweries and distillers could move out to Indochina, which would deflate confidence in Thailand.

"The government has been trying to draw investment into this industry but now the industry is being labelled as a social destroyer. The relocation of plants would have severe repercussions on related industries and in the future nobody would dare invest in the industry," she added.

--TNA 2006-10-20

[george]

Ministry set to ditch plan to raise legal drinking age

BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Ministry yesterday backed down on its proposal to raise the minimum age for buying alcohol from 18 to 25 years.

It is now highly likely the ministry will stick to the current age of 18 years old.

The backdown follows Cabinet's rejection on Tuesday of a new law to limit alcohol consumption. Ministers feared the proposal would not work in practice.

"Personally, I didn't agree [to extend the legal age to buy alcohol to 25] in the first place," said Dr Thawat Suntrajarn, head of the Disease Control Department.

"Since people of age 18 are eligible to vote, they should be mature enough to think for themselves on anything else," Thawat said. "We want it to be a practical directive, not just a piece of paper."

A ministry panel set up to look into the matter is due to meet with other groups involved in the issue at Government House on Tuesday to finalise their proposal, which will be resubmitted to the Cabinet within the next two weeks.

But Thawat said it was very like-ly to revert to the minimum age of 18, as currently stands. There were always two ideas throughout the drafting and public hearings on the bill, he said. One was for the legal age to remain at 18, whereas others favoured 25 years of age.

The side that wanted to extend the legal age to 25 reasoned that many undergraduate level students were involved in accidents in which alcohol was a factor, Thawat said.

Therefore, they proposed the legal age should cover this group and pushed for a minimum age of 25, he explained.

In regard to the ban on ads for alcohol, Thawat said the exception made for live telecasts of international sports events was important.

"Of course, if we wanted to ban the live telecast, we could do so. But can we be sure of controlling the advertisement? No. There are always other ways [of banning ads from abroad] such as the Internet and satellite TV," he said.

Some local manufacturers called on the ministry this week to ban alcohol ads on telecasts broadcast live from overseas. They claim the exception will put local alcohol brands at a disadvantage.

At the meeting next Tuesday all concerned groups will discuss "acceptable" and "practical" ways to resolve matters such as this stemming from the bill, Thawat said.

"By 'acceptable', I mean reason-able," he said, adding he fully agreed that legal measures to control alcohol consumption should be carried out along with other measures, including tax and public education.

Meanwhile, Dr Taejing Siripanich, secretary general of the Don't Drive Drunk Foundation, was unhappy at developments.

Anyone who is allowed to consume alcoholic drinks should be an adult but Thais aged 18 were too immature, and many still be relied on their parents' money. "It would be better to set the minimum age at 20 or 21 - like the US," he said.

--The Nation 2006-10-19

[arthsch]

So what is the legal age to buy alcohol ?

over 60

[PREM-R]

Dr Taejing Siripanich, Anyone who is allowed to consume alcoholic drinks should be an adult but Thais aged 18 were too immature

If it is about maturity then Thai males should not be allowed to drink until they are 90, and then only if accompanied by both parents.

[Jai Dee]

Social Development and Human Security Minister admits Act to control alcoholic beverages is inflexible

The Social Development and Human Security Minister, Mr. Paiboon Wattanasiritham, said the Act to control alcoholic beverages is too stringent, while indicating that the values of teenager are more important than the prohibition of people under 25 years old to buy alcoholic drinks.

Mr. Paiboon said the Cabinet has a resolution for six related ministries to discuss this Act over again, and admitted that the regulation may be too inflexible. A small discussion of this issue will be held in the Cabinet next week, but the agenda will not be concerned about the age of people who can purchase alcoholic drinks. The more important topic is the ways to promote a good way of life in the society. The issue on the large number of entertainment venues surrounding various educational institutions will also be raised.

Mr. Paiboon said the government has a good policy to control the advertisements of alcoholic drinks. New measures have been enforced, and they can be perceived in many ways. However, he would like related people to see them as beneficial for the society even though they may cause difficulties to certain parties. Nevertheless, he believes the situation will alleviate consequently.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 October 2006

[Virgil]

i really like the "sexy leo girl" ad in the bkk post of this morning - sort of flies in the face of the cabinet resolution.

Yeah .... God IS a MAN !!!

I was thinking that the advertising ban might lead to an increase in LEO girls promoting beer AT night clubs. If the brewers can't spend on print and video advertising maybe they will channel more funds into the boob-tube LEO girl promotions .... here's hoping ...

Virgil, Out!

[Virgil]

THIS WHOLE THING IS SILLY....ALWAYS HAS BEEN ...ALWAYS WILL BE.......I BELIEVE THAT THE VOTING AGE IS 18 HERE IN THAILAND LIKE IN THE STATES. SO HERE AGAIN....LIKE IN THE STATES ....YOU ARE OLD ENOUGH TO VOTE AND FIGHT IN WARS LIKE IRAQ......BUT YOU CAN'T BUY LIQUOR. IF YOU ARE MATURE ENOUGH TO DO VOTING AND FIGHTING.....YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DECIDE IF YOU WANT TO BUY A BUD OR SING HA.

THE OLD ADAGE MAKE WATER ILLEGAL AND SEE HOW COULD IT TASTES....THEY MAKE THE DRINKING AGE WHAT THEY LIKE ....KIDS WILL ALWAYS FIND A WAY TO GET BOOZE ...I KNOW I DID WHEN I WAS 18 AND THAT 'WAS THE SUMMER OF '69"......

No need to SHOUT man!!! Please turn the caps-lock off in future.

Cheers

Virgil, Out!

[Virgil]

Pheeeew, I can now legally booze all night without the fear of being ostracised or prosecuted!

Only if you consider all night to be until 2am.

You must not live in Thailand, and if you do......... You just havent got a clue.

Eh? OK, please tell me where I can legally booze all night in Bangkok.

In disco, pools club and Karaokes open after 2AM...

[sandy]

Ummm .... discos, clubs, etc. must all LEGALLY CLOSE BEFORE 2:00am ...

Virgil, Out!

[Virgil]

So what is the legal age to buy alcohol ?

over 60

No Arthsch ... you're thinking of "legally AGED to buy alcohol" ... at 60, you're legally AGED mate ...

Cheers

Virgil, Out!

[h90]

We are used to Bills that shows that the people who propose it shows off that they are utmost incompetent. What about banning all 60 years and over from buying alcohol? Or all women between 35 and 40 from buying cigarettes? The people in charge must realize that 21 years and over people have the right to vote and have as much rights as any other person.

//edit

Careful and be polite in what you say

Khutan

//end

just want to add: they have also to serve in the army and have the right to die for the country or kill enemys, but they are not allowed to drink a glas of beer......

[Sturbuc]

My only concern are those SYT's we meet in the bars. What if we can't buy them Lady-Drinks anymore? Oh what a sham... er, shame that would be. Oh boo hoo.

Maybe i'm wrong but in most cases the "lady drinks" are without alcohol to have them working long time, not to be drunk. Even if the bottles look like.

[cutter007]

I have NEVER seen a farang been asked for ID.

It galls my girlfriend a lot in that she gets asked for ID (she is 30) and i dont, and nor do any of the other farangs with us. Ha ha ha.

They are trying to do this for the Thai youth. They dont care if farangs drink themselves silly as long as they pay for their drinks !

This is because you only go to farang bars, Thai bars card farangs and Thais alike.

I am 30, and I get carded all the time.

[cclub75]

The Nation reports that the drinking age will remain at 18:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/18...es_30016520.php

So the whole "reconsidering" will in the end turn out to be a face saving exercise. Much ado about...not much.

Not too fast... Here is the new episode of The Thai Booze Drama.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/24Oct2006_news09.php

Meeting tuesday 24/10, Public Health Ministry is hot like hel_l, and final decision... next tuesday.

Prepare the popcorn and... the beers !

A committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kosit Panpiamrat will decide today whether the minimum age of liquor buyers should be increased from 18 to 25 years. But the Public Health Ministry has already made it clear that it would accept nothing less than an increase in the minimum age, as stated in the alcohol control bill, and would continue to fight for it.

''It was a consensus that was derived from several public hearings,'' said Disease Control Department deputy director-general Narong Sahamethapat, adding the ministry's standpoint was based on facts and the findings of several studies on damage to health due to accidents caused by drunk driving, especially young adults.

[womble]

and still absolutely no mention of raising taxes on lao kao.

Absolute bunch of retards!

[whimsy]

This idea is not dead yet!

Pressure grows to boost buyers' age

APIRADEE TREERUTKUARKUL

A committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kosit Panpiamrat will decide today whether the minimum age of liquor buyers should be increased from 18 to 25 years.

But the Public Health Ministry has already made it clear that it would accept nothing less than an increase in the minimum age, as stated in the alcohol control bill, and would continue to fight for it.

"It was a consensus that was derived from several public hearings," said Disease Control Department deputy director-general Narong Sahamethapat, adding the ministry's standpoint was based on facts and the findings of several studies on damage to health due to accidents caused by drunk driving, especially young adults.

The pros and cons of increasing the minimum age based on World Bank studies would also be presented during the afternoon meeting. Panel members from other law enforcement agencies as well as the Education, Justice, Social Development and Human Security ministries would also share their ideas regarding the minimum age of liquor buyers, he said. The final consensus on the issue will be tabled before the cabinet on Tuesday, Oct 31 and later forwarded to the National Legislative Assembly for scrutiny and approval.

More than 300 academics from across the country yesterday submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont calling for a round-the-clock ban on alcohol advertisements. Amornvit Nakornthap, director of the Ramjitti Institute and leader of the Child Watch Network, said alcohol advertisements were certainly impacting on youngsters.

Up to four million Matthayom 1-6 (Grade 7-12) students either became frequent or temporary alcohol buyers after being continuously exposed to liquor commercials, according to another study.

An estimated 60,000 female students between the ages of 14-19 also became pregnant after having unprotected sex under the influence of alcohol, according to the same 2004-2005 study.

Drinking also caused an increase in road accidents and crime. About 30,000 teenagers aged below 18 are in detention centres today mainly because of committing crimes after drinking alcoholic beverages, said the study.

"These studies clearly indicate that alcohol was causing a lot of problems for teenagers and young adults. Therefore it's necessary to have a law to strictly control liquor sales and advertisements to reduce not only their access to drinking but also social problems that come with it," he said.

Kusol Sunthorntada, a researcher at the Institute of Population and Social Research at Mahidol University, said parents believe that alcohol advertisements were squarely to blame for making people drink at an early age.

According to a survey of 520 people aged 15 and above, 77% of respondents believed that liquor ads were making more and more youngsters get addicted to alcohol. About 60% also agreed that a total ban on booze advertisements should be imposed if the number of young drinkers was to be reduced.

Bangkok Post

[Camelot]

About 30,000 teenagers aged below 18 are in detention centres today mainly because of committing crimes after drinking alcoholic beverages, said the study.

Note the "below 18". The present law expressly forbids anyone under 18 from buying and consuming alcohol. As it doesn't seem to be working, why all the fuss about increasing the minimum age? If the present law isn't enforced what makes them think a new one would be? Thais have always shown themselves able to circumvent overly restrictive laws. They just ignore them.

[Steph1012]

About 30,000 teenagers aged below 18 are in detention centres today mainly because of committing crimes after drinking alcoholic beverages, said the study.

Note the "below 18". The present law expressly forbids anyone under 18 from buying and consuming alcohol. As it doesn't seem to be working, why all the fuss about increasing the minimum age? If the present law isn't enforced what makes them think a new one would be? Thais have always shown themselves able to circumvent overly restrictive laws. They just ignore them.

Like: drink driving

helmet laws

eighteen to drive bike to school

2:00am closing

drive on the left

two on a bike

internet cafe kids restrictions

zoning laws

90 decible limits

encroachment

Dead right, it won't make a difference to the drinking. Make it a little more difficult when the Bangkok Police come and have a look round. Won't make a difference to the Lao Khao drinkers.

As ever its the lack of enforecement that's the problem and they still just don't get it.

[cclub75]

Ladies and gentlemen ! Here is the new episode of The Great Thai Booze Drama !

Cabinet has decided : Drinking age to be raised to 20. Plus the ban on advertising.

Not 18, not 25. 20. Voila. What a relief for the whole audience. Faces are saved.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=113767

But of course, it's not the end of the Saga.

See you for new episodes. Coming soon to your theater.

[womble]

Three cheers for the great face saving conclusion to the alcohol advertising and restriction saga.

Hip hip...... Hoo Ray!!

Hip hip...... Hoo Ray!!

Hip hip...... Hoo Ray!!

One for luck and mind the roof.........

Hip hip....... Hoo Ray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[britmaveric]

Hmmm two more years of underage drinkers. This makes sense. Oh well suppose its better than 25?

[sriracha john]

No alcoholic drinks for teens, Cabinet rules

BANGKOK, Oct. 24 - Thailand's Cabinet Tuesday decided to raise the threshold making the legal age for liquor consumption to be age 20 and to complete the process to enforce the new regulation along with the total ban on liquor commercials by November.

Public Health Minister Mongkol Na Songkhla said the Cabinet discussed the legal drinking age, which was originally pondered to be 25, and decided on 20.

The Disease Control Department will work out details of the draft Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Control Act before seeking Cabinet approval. After Cabinet endorsement, the draft will be sent to the Council of State and the whole process which leads to enforcement of this new rule should be completed by November, according to Dr. Mongkol.

Apart from setting the drinking age, the Cabinet also discussed complaints about the impact of the Food and Drug Administration's order banning liquor advertisements around the clock that will result in a Bt200 million revenue loss to the state.

Dr. Mongkol said the Cabinet is of the view that advertising revenue from the alcoholic drink sector is neither significant nor sustainable. The Cabinet is pondering a possible solution in the form of increasing the so-called 'sin tax' – doubling the collection of "health promotion" duties on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages from the current rate of two per cent to four per cent.

To address potential constraints in implementing the law, Dr. Mongkol said the Public Health Ministry will invite the private sector and all stakeholders to discuss enforcement.

- MCOT

[madmitch]

I thought the drinking age in bars was twenty anyway, though you could buy liquor from a store at 18.

Doubling the health promotion tax from 2% to 4%..... that'll add all of 3 baht to a bottle of Mekhong and it would not surprise me if Lao Khao was exempt. Less than a baht increase on a bottle of beer or a pack of cigarettes.

The whole taxation issue needs revisiting and it has been said many times that the taxation according to a.b.v. is the best way to go. Lao Khao should not be excluded. The current Government has nothing to lose by imposing proper taxation as they won't be seeking re-election but arguably should a non-elected body be making such laws anyway?.

Interestingly my local store in Karon has its cigarettes covered in the appropriate manner but the disgusting and probably very unhealthy rolling tobacco sits on the counter and sells at 3 baht a pack.