Bangkok, February 17th, 2025 – The Thai Alcohol Control Board will meet on February 21st, chaired by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, to reconsider lifting the ban on alcohol sales on trains and at railway stations.
The proposal, previously rejected, is being resubmitted by the State Railway of Thailand alongside discussions on easing alcohol sale restrictions from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
A survey of 3,055 rail passengers across 25 stations found 77.2-84.2% opposed alcohol sales on trains, citing safety, noise, and harassment concerns. Notably, 86% recalled the 2014 case of a 13-year-old girl sexually assaulted and murdered by an intoxicated train employee, which led to the current ban.
TPN Media notes, however, that in this case the employee involved was breaking company rules and not a regular passenger. A change in law would not have stopped this incident, claim critics, as the drunken train employee was already breaking rules and regulations.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Udomsak Saengow from the Center for Alcohol Studies urged the board to consider public opinion, while youth health advocate Theerapat Kahawong criticized the government’s focus on alcohol-related economic stimulus, warning of increased health costs and societal harm.
He questioned the credibility of claims that easing restrictions would boost tourism revenue by over 50 billion baht, urging a reassessment of alcohol policies, including extended nightlife hours, which have already led to a surge in traffic accidents.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
