Youth drinkers on the rise
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Thais’ overall expenditure on alcoholic has decreased, but among youths it is on the rise and that needs to be monitored closely, according to the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB).
Expenditure on alcoholic consumption in the fourth quarter last year was Bt38.4 billion, down 10.8 per cent on the year.
But alarmingly, the number of people consuming alcohol rose from Bt15.4 million in 2007 to 18.6 million in 2015, with 22.2 per cent and 29.5 per cent of those drinkers coming from the 15-24 age group respectively.
Furthermore, 39.9 per cent of alcoholic consumers in 2015 were regular drinkers, which is defined as someone who drink more than once a week, and 12 per cent of those drinkers were aged 15-24.
That reflects that alcoholic consumption is still a pressing issue that needs to be seriously tackled by all who are involved, the NESDB said.
