A Thai advocate for reforming alcohol laws faces prosecution and hefty fines for posting photos of craft beer in recent years.
One week after Thanakorn “Benz” Tuamsa-ngiam hosted a large gathering of like-minded beer fans, the activist has been charged with illegally promoting alcohol via his online community for Prachachon Beer (“Beer People”). He now faces a fine of at least THB750,000 (US$22,000) fine.
Thanakorn said he went to hear the charges at Nonthaburi Police Station on Friday. He was told by the officers that he had violated the Alcohol Control Act with 15 posts in which he talked about craft beer.
The posts were made between Oct. 6, 2020, and July 12, 2021.
The draconian Alcoholic Beverage Control Act’s Section 32 states that no person shall “advertise or display, directly or indirectly, the name or trademark of any alcoholic…
