Senate approval of the bill will open up the Thailand craft beer market
Thailand’s Senate has approved amendments to the Excise Tax Act that are contained in what has been called the Community Liquor Bill. The amendments will allow small entrepreneurs and farmers’ groups to produce and sell all types of alcoholic beverages. The bill passed the Senate with 166 votes in favour, three against, and eight abstentions out of 177 senators present.
Under the revised law, smaller producers will now be permitted to manufacture a range of alcoholic drinks previously restricted by strict regulations, including gin, rum, brandy, whiskey, and bottled beer. Moreover, the previous regulations required minimum production capacities of 30,000 litres per day, effectively barring small operators from entering the market.
Advocates of the legislation argue it will significantly boost Thailand’s craft alcohol industry, providing economic opportunities for communities and stimulating local economies.
The Thai Craft Beer Association has welcomed the Senate’s decision, emphasising that the new regulations will enable small businesses to innovate and diversify their offerings. Under previous rules, smaller producers were prohibited from manufacturing spirits such as gin, rum, brandy, or whiskey, and were also restricted in beer bottling activities. The new law removes these restrictions entirely.
The amendments are also intended to address market imbalances, which critics claim to have long favoured large-scale brewers by imposing stringent environmental certifications and export licensing requirements, posing significant barriers for smaller producers.
While the amendment has overall received widespread support, there are concerns regarding increased production costs due to reliance on imported glass bottles. Large domestic manufacturers currently control the supply of bottles, forcing small producers to rely on costly imports.
The amendment will now proceed to the next stage awaiting publication in Thailand’s Royal Gazette, after which it will formally become law and take immediate effect.
