The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) are stepping up efforts to raise public awareness of stricter alcohol controls, urging retailers and communities to help prevent sales to people under 20 and those who are visibly intoxicated.
ThaiHealth, the BMA and allied networks recently held a campaign under the theme "Build a safe society, respect the law, don't sell alcohol to children and intoxicated people".
The campaign included a walk-through among retailers near the end of Vibhavadi Soi 64, encouraging them to comply with the amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which came into effect on Nov 8, 2025.
The campaign aims to ensure all 50 BMA districts understand the amended law and actively promote refusal to sell alcohol to people under 20 and those showing signs of intoxication.
The amended law gives sellers greater authority to request identification cards and assess whether customers are intoxicated before making a sale. Sellers can also face civil liability if alcohol sold to a minor or intoxicated person is linked to an accident, violence or damage to another person's life or property.
The Stop Drink Network said alcohol consumption among people aged 15 and over in Bangkok rose to 32.9% in 2024, from 25.3% in 2017. The rate among those aged 15-19 was 8.5%, highlighting the need for stronger prevention efforts in the capital.
The law increases the maximum fine for underage sales from 20,000 baht to 100,000 baht, while allowing victims to seek civil damages from retailers in cases where alcohol contributes to subsequent harm.
