Alcohol Control Policy in Southeast Asia: A Descriptive Review

Authors

• Sawitri Assanangkornchai, Prince of Songkla University
• Wit Wichaidit, Prince of Songkla University
• Gianna Gayle H. Amul, FORUT
• Ian Yi Han Ang, National University of Singapore
• Surasak Chaiyasong, Mahasarakham University
• Pheak Chhoun, KHA Center for Population Health Research
• Chean Lin Chong, Universiti Brunei Darussalam
• Andrea Mong Rui Chua, National University of Singapore
• Noran N. Hairi, Universiti Malaya
• Enjeline Hanafi, Universitas Indonesia, RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo
• Ahmed S. Hassan, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Kyaw Ko Ko Htet, Prince of Songkla University
• Wah Yun Low, Universiti Malaya
• John Robert Carabeo Medina, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila
• Belinda J. Murtani, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Hoang Thi My Hanh, Vietnam Ministry of Health
• Nguyen The Vinh, Vietnam Ministry of Health
• Jiraluck Nontarak, Mahidol University

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

3-1-2026

Abstract

Southeast Asia plays a vital role in the global alcohol trade, with rapid economic growth and increasing intra-regional travel contributing to shifts in alcohol consumption. This descriptive review of publicly available data sources aims to assess the extent to which alcohol control policies in Southeast Asia align with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s SAFER framework. Data on alcohol consumption, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, religious demographics, and life expectancy were obtained from recent publicly available sources, including the World Bank Group and the WHO. Policy data were collected from official legal documents in each country’s official language(s). Measures targeting drink-driving, alcohol availability, and alcohol advertising were most frequently implemented. All countries had some form of alcohol taxation, although levels and structures varied. Treatment services for alcohol use disorders were seldom available. The findings highlight key policy gaps and regional disparities in alcohol regulation. These insights may guide policymakers and stakeholders in developing more effective and harmonized alcohol control strategies. Limitations of the review include the lack of detailed data on policy enforcement and the exclusion of alcohol-related policies not covered by the SAFER framework.

Publication Title

Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health

ISSN

10105395

DOI

10.1177/10105395251414918

Recommended Citation

Assanangkornchai, Sawitri; Wichaidit, Wit; Amul, Gianna Gayle H.; Ang, Ian Yi Han; Chaiyasong, Surasak; Chhoun, Pheak; Chong, Chean Lin; Chua, Andrea Mong Rui; Hairi, Noran N.; Hanafi, Enjeline; Hassan, Ahmed S.; Htet, Kyaw Ko Ko; Low, Wah Yun; Medina, John Robert Carabeo; Murtani, Belinda J.; My Hanh, Hoang Thi; Vinh, Nguyen The; and Nontarak, Jiraluck, "Alcohol Control Policy in Southeast Asia: A Descriptive Review" (2026). Research Publications (2026 to 2030). 196.
https://knova.um.edu.my/research_publications_2026_2030/196

Volume

38

Issue

2-3

First Page

127