On April 9 at The Emerald Hotel Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) together with the Federation of Thai Industries organized a seminar “Control of Alcoholic Beverages. Balance point for society and economy” along with presenting the results of a study on reviewing policies and alcohol control measures to promote a sustainable balance in social and economic development in Thailand. Dr. Niphon Puapongsakorn, academic emeritus TDRI said The study found that the alcoholic beverage industry generates nearly 600 billion baht in revenue from sales to the economy. The government has 150 billion baht in revenue from alcohol taxes per year, but it also creates social costs of no less than 170 billion baht. million baht. The government has enacted laws to control using price measures And it's not the price. But the problem has not yet been solved directly because the proportion of drinking among young people aged 15-19 years who do not have access to alcohol has not decreased. And the number of deaths from drunk driving is still likely to be high. Therefore, the law should be improved and controlled. To be effective, there are 3 proposals: 1. Focus on protecting and protecting children and youth from alcohol. 2. Reduce the problem of misuse of law enforcement and 3. Focus on reducing negative social impacts.

Ms. Thanthip Srisuwannaket, Senior Researcher In terms of good governance policy, TDRI said that alcoholic beverages have a cost impact of 170 billion baht to Thai society. It was found that the greatest health impact was 55%, or 94 billion baht, followed by Road accidents accounted for 31%, worth over 53 billion baht, various injury problems 10%, equivalent to 17 billion baht, and crimes 4%, equivalent to 7 billion baht. The research team went to survey shops and consumers in Bangkok and surrounding areas. Including big cities like Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai and Phuket, it was found that up to 30% of shops sell liquor-beer. For children under 20 years of age, 23% are sold near educational institutions. Children under 20 years of age purchase alcohol most often at grocery stores (36%), convenience stores (35%), restaurants 26%, and online 3%. For protection offers and Protecting children and youth from alcohol is: 1. Amending Section 32 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, B.E. 2008, to allow advertisements. But it must not target children and youth under 20 years of age. 2. Increase penalties for selling alcoholic beverages to children under 20 years of age, and 3. Increase measures to monitor the sale of alcoholic beverages to children under 20 years of age. year.