Health Ministry Clarifies Lisa Alcohol Video Controversy
Thailand's Health Ministry clarified that while a foreign TV program featuring artist Lisa and branded alcohol was not illegal overseas, anyone sharing the content in Thailand must blur product logos to comply with local advertising laws.
Health Minister Pattana Prom-Pattana held a press conference on September 18 to address the controversy involving global Thai artist Lisa, who featured in a foreign television program showing an alcoholic beverage with a clearly identifiable brand name and instructions for mixing the drink. The footage was subsequently shared and redistributed throughout Thailand.
The minister clarified that current Thai law remains unchanged. Although the original broadcast was a foreign production not aired in Thailand, the online circulation of the content required attention. He acknowledged that several media outlets had blurred product names and logos in compliance with Thai law, and praised their efforts.
"Since the event occurred overseas, it should not be problematic. However, anyone sharing clips or viewing them should be careful. If possible, please help obscure brand logos to comply with Thai law," Pattana said.
When asked whether private businesses could capitalize on the situation to promote Thai products, Pattana stated that law enforcement agencies must apply existing regulations as written. Any future legal changes would require thorough consideration of advantages and disadvantages across all stakeholder perspectives.
Regarding whether recreating the drink recipe in personal content would violate Section 32 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 on advertising, Dr. Nipont Chinananthawech, director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, explained that intent matters. If someone recreates a visible beer without naming the specific brand, it would not constitute commercial advertising. However, if branded hashtags are used or content is shared for commercial purposes, it would fall under advertising regulations and intent must be examined.
Pattana stressed that online media must be used cautiously with legal awareness. While regulations may sometimes feel strict, users must also exercise careful judgment and consider intent when interpreting the law.
When asked whether the incident represented a drinking ban or merely an advertising restriction, Pattana noted that since the event occurred overseas and advertising restrictions on alcohol have existed for considerable time, consumers should be mindful of when and where they drink, emphasizing responsible behavior.
The minister reaffirmed that content shared and distributed within Thailand's media space must comply with Thai law. He appealed to all those sharing or distributing such content to do so responsibly while supporting their favorite artists: "I believe everyone sharing or redistributing content has good intentions and supports the artists they admire. However, please ensure compliance with Thai law and consider intent in your actions," Pattana concluded.
