Between 14–15 November 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Udomsak Saengow from the School of Medicine, Walailak University, participated in the 13th National Alcohol Conference, held under the theme “A New Alcohol Control Act—Fulfilling Promises and Fixing Flaws” at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, Bangkok.

The conference served as a platform for knowledge exchange and discussion among experts, researchers, and key stakeholders involved in alcohol control. Participants analyzed the draft of the new Alcohol Control Act, focusing on its potential impact on public health and society. The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Surachet Satitniramai, Vice Chairman of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Chairman of the Executive Board of Health Promotion Plan 1.

Thailand’s ongoing efforts in alcohol regulation and public health promotion have reached a crucial turning point, as the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008) is currently under revision. The updated legislation seeks to balance public health protection with economic and tourism development, strengthening certain measures while allowing flexibility in others. Nonetheless, experts emphasized that public health must remain the core objective of any policy reform, as a healthy population is the foundation for long-term economic sustainability.

At the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Udomsak Saengow delivered a keynote address, raising concerns over the potential use of the new Alcohol Control Act as a tool to stimulate tourism. He cautioned that while higher alcohol consumption might yield short-term economic benefits, it could also result in significant negative social and health consequences.

The conference also featured seminars on pressing topics, including the new framework for alcohol control in Thailand, enhancing policy and practice integration, and a research presentation competition showcasing innovative studies in the field of alcohol regulation.

This activity forms part of Walailak University’s initiative to promote cross-sectoral dialogue about the SDGs for sustainable development.