Law
Pheu Thai Official Calls for Clarity on Alcohol Advertising Laws Following 'Lisa' Beer Incident
Chanin Rungthanakiat has urged the government to finalize secondary legislation regarding alcohol promotion, citing public confusion over the legality of celebrity endorsements.
On September 19, 2026, Chanin Rungthanakiat, Deputy Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, addressed the ongoing public debate regarding a viral clip of Thai superstar 'Lisa' consuming a local beer brand on an international talk show. The incident sparked widespread discussion on social media concerning whether such appearances violate Thailand’s strict alcohol advertising regulations.
Chanin highlighted that while the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act was amended and enacted on November 8, 2025, the necessary secondary legislation—the 'sub-laws' required to clarify implementation—remains pending. He argued that this regulatory vacuum creates uncertainty for both the public and business operators. By finalizing these rules, the government could provide a clearer framework for promoting Thai products, potentially expanding business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
For residents and travelers, this situation underscores the complexity of Thailand’s alcohol control laws, which remain subject to interpretation until specific secondary regulations are fully implemented. While the current debate centers on the potential for legal reform to support local industry, it remains to be confirmed when the government will finalize these sub-laws. Until then, the legal status of celebrity-led alcohol promotion in international media remains a point of contention, and observers should monitor official government announcements for updates on how these regulations will be enforced.
