Thailand: People and organizations involved with craft beer summoned by authorities for posting photos of beer on social media

More than 400 people and organizations involved with the craft beer business have been summoned by regulatory authorities in Thailand for posting photos of the brew on social media, The National Herald reported on June 4.

Six craft beer associations jointly lodged a complaint with the House of Representatives’ Public Health Commission on June 4 arguing that the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which bars the display of alcohol for promotional purposes, is unclear and violates their right to communicate with customers.

A representative of the beer associations says violations of the act are punishable by a 50,000-500,000 baht fine ($1,580-15,800) and a one-year jail term.

The complainants say their businesses have suffered from measures to combat the spread of the coronarivrus that included a ban on the sales of alcoholic beverages, the closing of bars and a curfew. A curfew beginning at 11 p.m. is still in effect.

The associations' representative, Supapong Preunglampoo asserts the industry helps Thailand’s economic growth and said, “There are many people working in this sector struggling to survive here.”

Supapong said: “In the time of difficulties from the COVID-19 outbreak, we would like to ask Thai authorities to look at alcoholic beverages from another viewpoint, not just with health or security concerns.”

04 June, 2020