Choltanutkun ‘Chol’ Tun-atiruj

Campaign co-founder of #Gu-Ja-Post-Mueng-Ja-Tummai (I’m gonna post, what the f*ck are you gonna do?)

What is the main aim of the campaign?

The civil disobedience campaign that I am co-creating is aimed at challenging the newly-drafted Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, B.E. 2551 that wants to fine you B500,000, and if you’re a business owner a million baht, for posting a photo of your drink online. Other one-sided regulations include a B50,000 daily fine for disobeying the officials until mistakes are corrected and an absolute autonomy granted to authorities to raid bars, restaurants or alcohol-related businesses without court orders. They also ban any indirect advertisements about alcohol, including those that are not about alcohol but could be interpreted as advertising about alcohol and drinking.

They are in the public hearing process to pass this new act until July 9, which means you can read more in the Thai version and vote ‘disagree’ via alcoholact.ddc.moph.go.th/ act.

Just imagine the pain these restaurant and bar operators would suffer just by the orders to shut their business without compensation. I don’t get why this country is trying to paint a picture of it as bad stuff. It could be done better by educating people about its pros and cons.

How can one be a part of the campaign?

The rule is simple: Just post a photo of your favourite drink with a censor filter, cover it and post it with a hashtag on your social media feeds.

Can the public help save the food and beverage industry?

Yes. Asst Prof Dr Charoen Charoenchai of the Surathai page has teamed up with food and beverage representatives by proposing other regulations, which are up for referendum, to rebut the previous act. They are asking for changes, such as amending the definitions of ‘sale’, ‘advertisement’ and ‘traditional catering’ to be appropriate and clear in interpretation. Revoke unreasonable alcohol sales regulations like limited selling hours and a ban on alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays and online platforms, also a ban on alcohol promotions. Arrange for representatives of the trade association of alcoholic beverage manufacturers and experts in the field of production as advisors to the policy committee.

You can save the food and drink industry by voting ‘agree’ via parliament.go.th/ section77/survey_detail.php?id=146”.

The funny thing is that we submitted this draft to the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board of the Ministry of Health on June 16, but two weeks later, the government launched the aforementioned draft that is definitely the opposite of what we are demanding for change. Besides, food and beverage representatives are suing the government for traumatising the industry by its restrictions without compensation.

Why are you helping the campaign?

Alcoholic beverages are not a crime. Whenever the numbers rise, businesses involved with selling alcoholic drinks are always the scapegoat, regardless of other factors or not. They are the first industry mandated to close and yet they are the last ones to reopen. As a former nightlife writer and alcohol enthusiast, I have to back up my passion for alcoholic beverages. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the kind of drinker who gets drunk every night, but I take courses to learn and appreciate the essence of it.

My surroundings are also associated with bar and restaurant owners whose businesses are distressed by the government restriction on selling alcoholic drinks and a ban on dinein service. I have seen my friends trying their best to stay alive and keep their heads above the water. So, at least I can support them through PR matters and encouragement.