Community Liquor Act
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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]
| 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 | |
| Initiating chamber: House of Representatives | |
| Second reading | 15 January 2025 |
| Third reading | 15 January 2025 |
| Revising chamber: Senate | |
| First reading | 27 January 2025 |
| Second reading | 10 March 2025 |
| Third reading | 10 March 2025 |
| Status: In force | |
Background
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
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
The bill includes support for small entrepreneurs, cooperatives, community enterprises, and farmers groups to obtain commercial alcohol production licenses.[1]