Bangkok– In a unanimous decision, the lower house voted 415-0 to approve the Community Alcohol Bill in its third and final reading. There were however, five abstentions.
Chanin Rungtanakiat, the Deputy Spokesperson for Pheu Thai told Thai reporters that the amendment introduces changes to Thai law, aiming to establish clearer guidelines for the issuance of alcohol production licenses. The primary objectives of this legislation are:
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Support for Small-Scale Producers: The amendment facilitates easier access to alcohol production licenses for cooperatives, agricultural groups, community businesses, farmer organizations, and small operators. This move is intended to eliminate unfair criteria and dismantle monopolistic practices in the sector. This had been pushed by many small brewers and craft brewers for many years, notes TPN Media.
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Utilization of Local Produce: Encouraging producers to use local agricultural products in alcohol manufacturing, thereby fostering local economies and agricultural diversity.
Despite these changes, the requirement for a license to produce alcohol or possess distillation equipment remains, ensuring control over illegal production activities. This measure is not an endorsement for unregulated alcohol production. However, getting the license for a small brewer is now much easier, as previously it required extensive capital and facilities that “priced out” small brewers.
Chanin Rungtanakiat further highlighted four key benefits expected from the amendment:
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Economic Fairness: By reducing monopolies held by large operators, the bill supports small businesses, providing a legal framework for operations with appropriate licensing.
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Agricultural Enhancement: It aims to boost the income of farmers by promoting the processing of their agricultural products into alcohol.
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Revenue Increase: The legislation is expected to enhance government tax revenues by formalizing previously illegal activities and expanding opportunities for alcohol exports.
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Cultural Promotion: It seeks to elevate the community alcohol culture, potentially increasing international recognition of Thai spirits.
The bill will need to be in the Royal Gazette, mainly a formality, before becoming official but this should ensure that fans of alcohol will see many more small brews and choices on the shelf in the future. Advertising, however, is a completely different matter and remains difficult in Thailand, with strict laws, although there are ongoing efforts to adjust these as well.
