The zealots are winning
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Our letters to the editor are probably all in vain, ignored by the politicians who can change policy and hampered by the attitude that farang opinions are of no importance. Many were the letters I have read in the last 30 years with excellent suggestions,
Nevertheless, we keep on writing – for our own peace of mind and in the hope that maybe someday a policy will be changed thanks to our comments.
Under Thaksin’s regime, the anti-alcohol lobby seized its chance, resulting in a tax hike of about 400 per cent on wine, making wine more expensive than brandy or whiskey, notwithstanding the difference in alcohol content and the impact on public health.
That measure wasn’t enough for the killjoys, and a law was introduced forbidding the sale of wine between 2 and 5pm. In restaurants, even over lunch with business clients, there’s no wine to be had after 2.
The loophole – that purchases of at least 10 litres were permitted – was a thorn in the side of the anti-alcohol lobby, so now this avenue has been closed too. The latest victory for the anti-alcohol zealots is the imposition of a nearly Bt500,000 fine on a Pattaya restaurant that had the temerity to print pictures of available beers on its menu.
Thailand is now producing some very nice wines, but, despite lower production and transport costs, they’re more expensive than imported ones. To drink Thai wine I have to go to Europe, where it is considerably cheaper.
Why doesn’t the government amend its tax regime to encourage the nascent Thai wine industry?
I wonder what kind of people are these killjoys to deny the common man the pleasure of a nice glass of beer or wine at a decent price. I wouldn’t be surprised if prohibition is their ultimate goal, with more criminality and the death of tourism the outcome.
Egon
