Thailand passes bill to boost local liquor production
Thailand’s House of Representatives has approved a bill to promote liquor production by small businesses.
The Community Liquor Bill passed on January 15, will allow individuals, cooperatives, and farmers' groups to apply for licenses to produce and sell all types of alcohol.
The bill received strong support, with 415 out of 420 lawmakers voting in favour. It now awaits approval by the Senate.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the move would help break the dominance of large companies like Thai Beverage and Boon Rawd Brewery, which have controlled the market for decades.
It is also expected to boost the rural economy by encouraging small-scale production, Bangkok Post reports.
The new rules will make it easier for microbreweries and small distilleries to open, potentially creating unique drinks for both locals and tourists.
The bill could take effect as early as October 2025, depending on how quickly licensing regulations are issued.
Thailand’s alcohol market is huge, with beer making up most sales. In 2023, the country sold nearly 3 billion litres of alcoholic drinks worth $6.3 billion.
