The Excise Act (No. 2), B.E. 2568 (2025 CE; ), commonly referred to as the Community Liquor Act or Community Alcoholic Beverage Act (), is a Thai Act of Parliament to allow small-scale producers to legally possess equipment for and manufacture beer and distilled spirits.
Background.
Alcohol production in Thailand is characterized as a monopoly, with the majority of the industry concentrated in Thaibev and Boon Rawd Brewery. Small-scale producers face high barriers to entry, including difficulties to obtain export licenses, high minimum production capacities, and environmental certifications.
Opposition MP and brewer Taopiphop Limjittrakorn was a primary advocate for liberalization of Thailand's alcohol production.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra advocated for the Act as a way of revitalizing Thailand's rural economy and increase competition.
Legislative history.
On 15 January 2025, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Community Liquor Bill 415 to 0, with 5 abstentions. Later on March 10, 2025, the Senate unanimously passed the Community Liquor Bill by a vote of 166 to 3, with 8 abstentions.
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.
Provisions.
The bill includes support for small entrepreneurs, cooperatives, community enterprises, and farmers groups to obtain commercial alcohol production licenses.