Thailand's The Standard news website has reported that it could soon be possible to be fined 500,000 baht (£11,400) just for posting a picture of a glass of beer or wine. And 60-80% of that fine could go into the pocket of the police or authority that
brought the prosecution. Up to now private individuals can be fined 50,000 baht (£1150) for promoting or advertising alcohol. Now a draft amendment from the authorities is proposing this is increased to half a million baht. Commercial entities
are liable to larger fines, currently at 500,000 baht, but the proposals would see this rise to a full one million baht. There is also a proposal to stop a kind of loophole that allows big firms to promote their products by referring to soda rather
than beer. Eg the beer maker Singha advertises its bottled water brand with a logo that is also used for its beer. In future just using the soda/water logo could be illegal and subject to the alcohol fines by association. The new proposals are
currently on public consultation until 9th July, although it is a little offputting that ID cards are required from those wishing to comment. | 
