The government says it is looking at stepping up efforts against underage drinking, while a recent survey revealed that 88% of youths aged under 20 could buy alcoholic drinks despite that being illegal.
Speaking during an event at Government House yesterday marking the 10th anniversary of the Alcohol Control Act, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the government wants to see a decrease in the number of people drinking, especially underage drinkers.
Alcohol is a major problem in Thailand as it can contribute to other social issues such as domestic violence, traffic accidents and financial problems, he said.
During the event, the premier also tried on eye glasses simulating the visibility and perception of people under the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, Bundit Sornpaisarn, deputy head of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, said the number of underage drinkers claiming they can buy alcoholic drinks rose from 83% in 2008 to 88% this year.
He was citing results of a recent Centre for Alcohol Studies (CAS) survey.
The increase was attributed to vendors near university dormitories who mostly fail to comply with the law by selling alcohol to students aged under 20.
Dr Bundit was speaking during a seminar discussing the alcohol control law in Bangkok yesterday.
The event was attended by over 150 representatives from various anti-alcohol consumption groups including the Stop Drink Network and the Alcohol Watch Network.
However, he said Thailand has seen a slight decline in alcohol consumption as it is generally more difficult for people to buy alcoholic beverages after the enforcement of the alcohol control law a decade ago.
The CAS survey also indicated that following the enforcement of the act in 2008, the purchase of alcoholic drinks in public places nationwide had plummeted by 81%, particularly at gas stations, as the law also regulates when alcohol can be bought.
It also revealed that despite bans on advertising, alcohol ads were extensively found on social networks which played a major role in encouraging youngsters to consume alcohol.
Teenagers are able to identify brands by their trademarks, Dr Bundit said.
Boonyou Khorpornprasert, professor at Krirk University's Faculty of Communication Arts, said the law has made little progress in reducing alcohol drinkers due to a failure to strictly enforce the law against wrongdoers and a shortage of people handling the issue.
In addition, several state policies were not in compliance with laws associated with alcohol beverages such excise laws issued by the Commerce Ministry, resulting in legal loopholes for alcohol manufacturers, he said.
