Assessing enforcement of policy on limiting alcohol accessibility and alcohol purchasing

  • Chanida Lertpitakpong, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Thailand
  • Dr Yot Teerawattananon, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Thailand
  • Ms Khunnika Thitiboonsuwan, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Thailand
  • Dr Montarat Thavorncharoensap, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Thailand
  • Dr Usa Chaikledkaew, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Thailand
  • Ms Jomkwan Yothasamut, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Thailand
  • This study aims to evaluate the enforcement of policy on reducing accessibility of alcohol in Thailand. A cross-sectional household survey was carried out throughout the country. Three thousand three hundred and thirty three persons, whose age between 15 – 60 years, who were on paid employment, and had ever consumed alcohol beverage during the past 12 months, were interviewed in this study. It was found that about 71% of the sample, who reported that they have consumed alcohol during the past 12 months, indicated that the latest place they purchased alcohol was the grocery store, followed by convenient store (8%). However, about 0.4% indicated that the latest place they purchased alcohol was convenient store located in the gas station. When looking at time of purchasing, it was found that most of the sample purchased alcohol during 6.00-6.59 pm (35%). However, about 10.4% of the sample indicated that they purchased alcohol during the prohibited time. For the age of purchasers, it was found that about 0.8% of those who purchased alcohol were between 15-17 years old. According to the results, the government and related organizations should put more effort to ensure the stringent enforcement throughout the country may also extend the prohibit purchasing time.