BANGKOK — Thailand’s House of Representatives has approved a bill amending the country’s Alcohol Control Act, easing restrictions on alcohol advertising. The legislation, passed on March 19 with a 365-0 vote and three abstentions, includes 38 sections and aims to provide more opportunities for small-scale producers while addressing concerns over past enforcement inconsistencies.
A major change in the bill is the removal of Section 32, which previously banned all forms of alcohol advertising and brand promotion. Lawmakers voted 371-1 to eliminate this restriction, with one abstention and three members not casting votes. The amendment will allow alcohol marketing within specified guidelines, replacing the existing prohibition that imposed a fine of up to 50,000 baht for violations.
Chanin Roongthanakiat, a Pheu Thai Party list MP and First Vice Chairman of the committee reviewing the bill, highlighted that the previous law disproportionately impacted small businesses and individuals. He noted that enforcement had led to citizens facing penalties simply for sharing images containing alcohol branding. The revised law is expected to benefit local brewers and distillers, permitting them to showcase their products’ ingredients, origins, and production methods under regulated conditions.
Thailand’s Alcohol Control Act, originally introduced in 2008, has been criticized for its uneven enforcement. While the law sought to curb advertising by major alcohol companies, global broadcasts of international sporting events, such as the English Premier League and Formula One, have continued to feature alcohol branding accessible to Thai audiences. The lack of clear guidelines has also been cited as creating legal ambiguity and opportunities for selective enforcement.
The bill will now move to the Senate for further consideration. On January 15, 2025, the House of Representatives had already approved a separate Community Alcoholic Beverage Bill with a 415-0 vote, reflecting a broader shift toward supporting small-scale producers.
