National —
On July 4th, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit chaired the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee meeting to discuss new packaging and warning label regulations for domestic and imported alcohol, to be finalized by November 27th, 2024.
These regulations will be further reviewed by member states of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for 60 days to gather international feedback and ensure compliance with global standards.
The committee approved a revision to the Prime Minister’s Office announcement, allowing the sale of alcohol on previously prohibited religious days at international airports like Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai. This aims to boost spending and support the tourism sector, especially during high travel seasons.
The decision was made after considering the economic benefits of allowing alcohol sales in high-traffic areas and the potential for increased revenue from international travelers.
For the State Railway of Thailand, the committee will work with the Alcohol Beverage Control Board to consider allowing alcohol sales at train stations and on trains to promote domestic tourism while ensuring public health and safety.
The proposal includes detailed plans for regulating alcohol sales to prevent misuse and ensure that the consumption of alcohol does not interfere with the safety and comfort of other passengers.
Additionally, the committee approved the formation of a working group to study the establishment of a fund dedicated to treating and rehabilitating individuals affected by alcohol consumption.
Suriya also highlighted the annual “National No Alcohol Day” campaign on July 18th, 2024, at The Mall Ngamwongwan, Nonthaburi, focusing on youth and women. The campaign theme is “Stop Alcohol Stop Harm to Others,” encouraging people to quit alcohol through online pledges here.
The next major religious holidays where alcohol is banned falls on the 20th and 21st of this month, July.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
