The Legal Policy Modifications On Alcoholic Beverage Production Control In Thailand

Abstract

Currently, the alcoholic beverages production business is limited to large operators, this condition arises from the laws, rules and regulations of the state relating to production of alcoholic beverages. Thailand has two justifications to regulate the alcohol production: (1) a source of tax revenue and (2) to discourage the consumption of a product that affects public health. Historically, the public health aspect has been the main driving force behind the implementation of the current regulatory approach, which overshadow the control of quality of alcohol production. The consequence is that the regulation hindered the development of the alcohol production industry, especially from small and niche entrepreneurs. This article compares Thailand's legal policies (law and regulation) with those in ASEAN countries such as Singapore and Vietnam, which are jurisdiction that has relaxed and refocus on regulating the quality and safety of the alcoholic beverages production, rather than a licensing system. The article argue that the subject is timely for a policy reform and proposal a new approach to the regulation of alcohol production in Thailand which focus on qualifications and conditions of the producer and lower the barrier to entry for the market for new operators or existing producer that are operating outside the country.