BANGKOK: Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Excise Department, revealed that the Cabinet has approved the revised 2025 Liquor Production Act, aiming to align the licensing criteria for liquor production with current industry needs.
Previously, the high standards for liquor production were designed to regulate quality, consumer safety, and environmental impact.
The regulations, updated on Nov 25, now allow for more appropriate licensing for small, medium, and large enterprises, while still adhering to the core principles of quality control, consumer safety, and environmental sustainability.
The change opens the door for smaller operators, such as cooperatives, community businesses, farmers, and small-scale entrepreneurs, to enter the liquor industry in a sustainable manner.
The revised regulations were officially published in the Royal Gazette and took effect on Dec 2.
The changes include new licence types for the small-scale production of beer and distilled liquor, as well as expanded distribution options for producers of fresh beer.
Additionally, the regulations have been adjusted to make the criteria for factory locations more suitable for smaller businesses.
Despite these changes, all operators must continue to comply with environmental, hygiene, and safety regulations, including the requirement for wastewater treatment systems and proper production processes to ensure the liquor is safe for consumption and does not harm the environment.
The new regulations also aim to support the agricultural sector by promoting the use of domestic agricultural products, such as rice, maize, and fruit, in the production of liquor.
The initiative is expected to increase the economic value of agricultural products and create sustainable income within the country. — The Nation/ANN
