Community Liquor Act
| Community Liquor Act | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parliament of Thailand | |
| |
| Territorial extent | Thailand |
| Passed by | House of Representatives |
| Passed | 15 January 2025 |
| Passed by | Senate |
| Passed | 10 March 2025 |
| Royal assent | Maha Vajiralongkorn |
| Signed | 2 June 2025 |
| Commenced | 6 June 2025 |
| Legislative history | |
| First chamber: House of Representatives | |
| Second reading | 15 January 2025 |
| Third reading | 15 January 2025 |
| Second chamber: Senate | |
| First reading | 27 January 2025 |
| Second reading | 10 March 2025 |
| Third reading | 10 March 2025 |
| Status: In force | |
The Excise Act (No. 2), B.E. 2568 (2025 CE; Thai: พระราชบัญญัติภาษีสรรพสามิต (ฉบับที่ 2) พ.ศ. 2568), commonly referred to as the Community Liquor Act or Community Alcoholic Beverage Act (พระราชบัญญัติสุราชุมชน), is a Thai Act of Parliament to allow small-scale producers to legally possess equipment for and manufacture beer and distilled spirits.[1][2]
Background
[edit]Alcohol production in Thailand is characterized as a monopoly, with the majority of the industry concentrated in Thaibev and Boon Rawd Brewery.[3][4] Small-scale producers face high barriers to entry, including difficulties to obtain export licenses, high minimum production capacities, and environmental certifications.[5][6]
Opposition MP and brewer Taopiphop Limjittrakorn was a primary advocate for liberalization of Thailand's alcohol production.[7][8][9]
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra advocated for the Act as a way of revitalizing Thailand's rural economy and increase competition.[10]
Legislative history
[edit]On 15 January 2025, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Community Liquor Bill 415 to 0, with 5 abstentions.[10] Later on March 10, 2025, the Senate unanimously passed the Community Liquor Bill by a vote of 166 to 3, with 8 abstentions.[11]
On 5 June 2025, the Royal Gazette published the Excise Tax Act (No. 2) B.E. 2025, effective from the day following its publication in the Royal Gazette, i.e. 6 June 2025.[12]
Provisions
[edit]The bill includes support for small entrepreneurs, cooperatives, community enterprises, and farmers groups to obtain commercial alcohol production licenses.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b English, Khaosod (2025-01-16). "Thai Lower House Passes Historic Community Alcoholic Beverage Bill". Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ Editorial (2025-01-18). "Community liquor boost". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ "From monopoly to fair play: Reforms in Thailand's alcohol industry". nationthailand. 2025-01-16. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ "People's Party revives anti-monopoly measures in Thai parliament". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ Punch. "Want to Make Spirits In Thailand? Good Luck". PUNCH. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ "Bangkok's Creative Cocktail Scene Showcases Thai Liquors". Food & Wine. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ "Bill to liberalise Thai liquor industry sails through 1st reading". nationthailand. 2022-06-10. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ Limited, Bangkok Post Public Company (2024-10-02). "House rejects opposition party's liquor bill". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Bangkok, Philip Sherwell (2023-03-19). "Bitterness over beer fuels a mini revolution in Thailand". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ a b "House passes bill to free up liquor production". Bangkok Post. 2025-01-15. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ "สว. มีมติเห็นชอบร่างแก้ไข พ.ร.บ.ภาษีสรรพสามิต เปิดทางผู้ผลิตสุรารายย่อยเพื่อการค้าได้ทุกประเภท" [The Senate has approved a draft amendment to the Excise Tax Act, opening the way for small-scale liquor producers to trade in all types]. The Standard. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
- ^ "ราชกิจจาฯ ประกาศ พ.ร.บ.สุราชุมชน มีผลบังคับใช้พรุ่งนี้ ปลดล็อกให้ขอใบอนุญาตง่ายมากขึ้น" [Royal Gazette announces Community Liquor Act, effective tomorrow, unlocking easier license application process]. Thairath. 5 June 2025. Retrieved 6 June 2025.