The Stop Drink Network Thailand (SDN) has called on the Ministry of Public Health to take immediate legal action against alcohol vending machines operating without permits, warning that the absence of clear regulations poses a major public health risk.
The group also urged the ministry to issue an organic law to close the legal loopholes enabling such operations.
The group and its allies on Wednesday submitted a formal letter to the ministry expressing concern over the growing number of alcohol vending machines.
The development coincides with the promulgation of the amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act on Nov 8.
The original Alcoholic Beverage Control Act explicitly banned selling alcohol through automatic vending machines. The new act reverses this ban.
The key condition for such machines is their ability to verify the buyer’s identity and age to prevent sales to minors or intoxicated individuals.
However, detailed rules, procedures and conditions have yet to be prescribed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee. Consequently, anyone currently operating such machines is in breach of the law.
Strict action is needed against anyone exploiting loopholes and potentially selling to minors or during restricted hours, said Theera Watcharapranee, the SDN manager.
He also said business operators were misleading the public by suggesting that the restrictions on alcohol sale hours had been lifted.
This, he said, had caused public confusion and misunderstanding. Under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act 2008, a related Prime Minister’s Office notice stipulates legal sales hours are from 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to midnight.
Although the new Act repeals the 1972 order of a coup regime regarding prohibited selling times, the PM’s Office announcement remains in force, said Mr Theera. Therefore, the dissemination of false information by business operators was inappropriate and done for self-interest, he said.
The network also called for the urgent dissemination of information about the new Act to prevent any misunderstanding and deter violations. Key provisions include bans on selling to individuals under age 20, promotions such as discounts or giveaways, and hawking – offences punishable by fines or imprisonment.
They further requested the swift issuance of supporting legislation and public awareness campaigns.
‘The ministry must urgently issue the organic law to ensure complete control of alcohol sales,’ said Mr Theera. ‘Sellers should not exploit loopholes for profit. Our network stands ready to cooperate with the ministry to protect the public from the harms of alcohol consumption.’