Pour decisions: Thailand to splash health warnings on booze bottles

The Thai government is in the process of developing a new regulation, requiring producers of alcoholic beverages to feature large, graphic health warnings on their products, much akin to those found on cigarette packaging. This move, orchestrated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee and the Department of Disease Control, has sparked criticism from alcohol producers and the tourism industry, who question its effectiveness in altering consumer behaviour.

The public has until Thursday, February 29 to voice their opinions on the proposed regulation via the Council of State’s website before the rule comes into effect 180 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette, reported Bangkok Post.

According to the new regulation, the graphic warning will cover at least one-third of the container, accompanied by text warnings on the dangers of excessive drinking. Some examples include: Alcoholic beverages can cause cancer, and selling alcoholic beverages to people under 20 is punishable by imprisonment and a fine.

The new rule has faced opposition from Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok, who champions the liberalisation of rules on alcohol production. He argues that the regulation will not only fail to deter drinking but will also increase production costs for small-scale alcohol producers.

Furthermore, Taopiphop believes that the health warnings will detract from the aesthetics of the containers’ unique designs.

“The designs of craft beer cans are made by artists, and they are like contemporary art. Health warnings and scary pictures will decrease their value. There is no proof as to how effective the health warnings on beer cans would be, the same way it is unclear whether the warnings on cigarette packs actually reduced smoking.”

Potential impact

According to him, the new regulation, if approved, will affect all producers—large and small—but will disproportionately impact smaller players in the industry. He also highlighted concerns that the health warnings may violate an international trade agreement.

Taopiphop suggested that if the public strongly opposes the regulation, it might cause policymakers to reconsider before finalising it. He also pointed out that current alcohol control laws and regulations are already extremely strict, and the government should prioritise enforcing them to prevent abuse and harm.

Sanga Ruangwattanakul, Khao San Road Business Association President, also criticised the draft regulation, considering it a step backwards for the country that could affect sales of alcoholic beverages. Several netizens echoed similar sentiments, with some expressing that the new regulation will not impact drinkers but collectors of bottles or cans for their unique designs and brand labels.

Presently, cans and bottles of alcohol feature a text warning, with many highlighting the dangers of drink-driving.