A qualitative exploration of the effects of increasing the minimum purchase age of alcohol inThailand

Abstract

Introduction and Aims Although prevalence of alcohol consumption has been relatively stable among Thai youth, concerns over alcohol-related harms affecting youth influenced the passage of new laws in early 2008, which made it illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 20. This qualitative study explored the effects of the law on the purchasing patterns of underage Thai bar patrons, in order to understand the strategies employed by underage youth to circumvent the law. Design and Methods A total of 41 in-depth interviews were conducted with 18–19 year old bar patrons in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Results Underage Thai bar patrons frequented shops where enforcement was not strict and purchased alcohol, from familiar shopkeepers in their neighborhoods. Participants suggested that purchasing alcohol was relatively easy as long as shopkeepers were driven by the need to make a profit. Discussion and Conclusions To address alcohol-related harms, the control law must be enforced in a meaningful way to deter youth from purchasing alcohol. Otherwise, the law will have minimal effectiveness in reducing the harms associated with alcohol.

The prevalence of alcohol consumption during early adolescence: a cross-sectional study in an eastern province, Thailand

“…Although the minimum legal alcohol purchase age in Thailand is 20 years old (Alcohol Beverage Control Act, 2008), alcoholic beverages are illegally bought by those with lower age. Our findings were also consistent with Limaye et al (2013), who found that as law enforcement on adolescents buying alcohol was not concerned, alcohol purchase from familiar shopkeepers in their neighbourhoods would be possible for the younger people. Additionally, Puangsuwan, Phakdeesettakun, Thamarangsi, and Chaiyasong (2012) also found that underage adolescents were successful in buying alcohol without asked for age and requested to show an ID card.…”

“…Additionally, Puangsuwan, Phakdeesettakun, Thamarangsi, and Chaiyasong (2012) also found that underage adolescents were successful in buying alcohol without asked for age and requested to show an ID card. This is possible that adults did not concern the negative consequence of alcohol use among the youth or the shopkeepers were just driven by the demand to make an advantage (Limaye et al, 2013). This could be alternative issue that is needed to be taken into account and deeply investigated in further research.…”

Barriers to successful treatment of alcohol addiction as perceived by healthcare professionals in Thailand – a Delphi study about obstacles and improvement suggestions

“…The majority of the consensus concerned improving equal rights to alcohol addiction treatment for Thai people. The other agreements related to overcoming obstacles in treatment and policy improvements for reducing the negative effects of alcohol consumption, such as restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol, suggestions that reached consensus in earlier studies ( 11 , 24 , 25 ). Restricting store owners from selling alcohol to adolescents and inhibiting people from drunk driving were included in general policy suggestions from the World Health Organization ( 1 ) and were implemented in Thailand in 2008 ( 7 ).…”

The Estimation of Stature from the Tarsals: Enhancing the Disaster Victim Identification Process in Thailand Using the Calcaneus and the Talus

“…Excessive alcohol consumption has been known to negatively affect bone health by disturbing osteoblast activity and decreasing bone mass and strength (Naude et al, 2012). During the apartheid era, alcohol abuse was a common issue in many impoverished regions, and in many Black South African townships, very heavy alcohol use is still reported today (Kalichman et al, 2007(Kalichman et al, , 2008Pfeiffer et al, 2016;Schneider et al, 2007;Suliman et al, 2010) (Assanangkornchai et al, 2000(Assanangkornchai et al, , 2002Limaye et al, 2013). Buddhists are expected to conform to certain moral injunctions known as the Five Precepts (Silas Ha), one of which is "the avoidance of distilled and fermented intoxicants causing carelessness" (Assanangkornchai et al, 2002: 193.…”