Thailand controls alcohol but requires tourism promotion

The Thai cabinet supports a new alcohol control bill but requires ensuring public health while balancing economic and tourism benefits.

The Thai cabinet supported the Public Health Ministry 's new alcohol control bill on March 3 but demanded that the new bill include measures to promote tourism, a government spokesman said.

Chai Wacharonke, a government spokesman, said after the cabinet meeting that the secretary-general of the Ministry of Public Health had been asked to come up with details on tourism promotion to be included in the new bill. The cabinet is expected to review the details in a week, after which the bill will be sent to the State Council, the government's legal body, for consideration.

Under the new bill, any drink with an alcohol content of less than 0.5% will not be considered alcoholic. The minister in charge will have the power to issue regulations on where and when drinking is allowed.

Tourists drink at night at a bar on Khao San Road, Bangkok. Photo: AFP — Tourists at a bar on Khao San Road, Bangkok. Photo: *AFP*

A government spokesman said the Health Ministry’s alcohol control bill focused on public safety, but the government wanted to boost tourism, a key economic driver for Thailand. “The new bill will ensure a balance between health and stimulating the economy and tourism,” Mr Chai said.

Since March 3, the cabinet has rejected three other liquor control bills from the civil society and the main opposition party, Move Forward, as being “too liberal.” However, some useful content may be incorporated into the new bill from the Ministry of Health.

In February, Thailand also made a move to stimulate tourism by reducing taxes on alcohol and nightlife entertainment venues, effective from February 23 to December 31.

Taxes on wine and sparkling wine have been reduced from 10% to 5%. Taxes on fruit wines and local wines with alcohol content below 7% have been reduced from 10% to 0%. Taxes on nightlife venues such as bars and nightclubs have also been reduced from 10% to 5%.

Bich Phuong ( According to Bangkok Post)

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