The Thai House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to ease alcohol sales and advertising regulations, a move seen as a boost to tourism and a helping hand to smaller breweries.
The amended alcohol control bill will now wait for approval from the conservative Senate.
The proposed changes include revoking a 1972 order by the military government that restricts alcohol sales before 11 am and between 2 and 5 pm.
Additionally, the bill aims to ease the country’s stringent advertising rules to permit alcohol promotions.
Under current law, advertising that displays names, trademarks, or images of alcoholic products for promotional purposes is prohibited, which hampers small businesses from increasing their visibility.
The amendments seek to ease what is described as “unreasonable control” to boost economic activities, according to Chanin Rungtanakiat, a deputy head of the house committee managing the bill.
The initial ban on afternoon alcohol sales was implemented to deter civil servants from consuming alcohol during work hours.
This legislative change is part of broader efforts to liberalize the tightly controlled alcohol market, traditionally dominated by Singapore-listed Thai Beverage Plc and Boon Rawd Brewery Co.
Earlier in the year, another bill was passed to encourage liquor production by microbreweries and small distilleries.
As a prominent tourist destination, Thailand is taking various measures to enhance its appeal. It is the only Asian country that has legalized cannabis and is also considering legalizing casinos.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated last month that the government is reviewing alcohol regulations that could impact tourism, including restrictions on alcohol sales on Buddhist holy days and online sales.
