Abstract
Commercial availability and density of alcohol outlets are the factors influencing availability of alcohol and alcohol consumption. The objective of this study is to explore alcohol outlets situation and compliance with the Alcohol Control Laws in Thailand. Methods: There were 325 alcohol outlets from five provinces across Thailand joining in this study by multi-stage cluster sampling. A questionnaire survey was administered to gather demographic characteristics and type of alcohol outlets and alcohol license. This study found that there were high alcohol outlets densities in five provinces of Thailand. There were alcohol beverages in milk and coffee shops. Grocery store, kiosk selling herbal drink and mix shop had ever gotten alcohol license as alcohol outlet but their licenses were expired. Alcohol outlets business hours violations during morning, afternoon and evening prohibition periods were prevalent. Therefore, government or related agencies should seriously enforce the legislations and develop regulations related to control alcohol outlet density and set criteria of alcohol license for alcohol outlets owners in order to prevent and protect the health of children, youth and people in Thai society.
