Street WISE :Bad news for lovers of Reds?
Hold your breath, Liverpool fans. Chances are you won't be able to see your favourite English football team play on TV in the very near future.
The Thai government plans to introduce a round-the-clock ban on advertisements for alcohol. But the government has yet to spell out clearly what they plan to do with indirect commercials attached to international football matches that are broadcast live on Thai TV networks. What will happen to the teams whose jerseys display the logos of international beer brands? It would be impossible for the censorship board to blur the logos on the chests of 11 players who are running frantically around the pitch for 90 minutes. If the government introduces strict measures banning the appearance of alcohol logos, Liverpool fans are in big trouble because the team's jersey carries the dreaded logo of Carlsberg beer. Besides, Liverpool's Anfield stadium also displays a big Carlsberg logo. The censorship officials may be able to blur the hated symbol during taped matches but they can't if the game is broadcast live on national TV. Liverpool will not be the only English team under interdict. Neighbours Everton's team jersey brazenly advertises another notorious brand of sin: Beer Chang. The government hopes that such strict measures will reduce national alcohol consumption. In fact, the intent of the Public Health Ministry is good, but it's highly dubious whether such nanny-state strictures can solve the problem at its root. Researchers say that most people are drawn into drinking by their friends. All that advertisements do is present them with a choice about what to drink. The government also plans to extend the legal age to buy alcohol from 18 to 25. Say you are 24 years old. You have long graduated from college and maybe you're finishing a post-graduate degree. Certainly you are well on your way towards earning your own living. You've moved out of your parents' home to live on your own. For the past six years, you have been entitled to vote because the government trusts your judgement. But can you choose to spend your own hard-earned cash on a can of beer? Nooooooo. It seems the Thai government is determined to treat grown-up citizens like irresponsible little kids. Luckily, the Cabinet has not yet approved the Health Ministry's draconian measures. But will they summon up the courage to resist this latest puritan ploy? Don't hold your breath.
Jeerawat@nationgroup.com
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