Sirach Lapyai, a lecturer at Rangsit University's Faculty of Communication Arts, told the seminar there was no law barring pubs and restaurants from operating within 500 metres of a school or university. In addition, liquor companies' promotional and advertising campaigns work so well that alcohol brands are impressed into the minds of Thai youths very effectively.

"In a recent survey, all 150 students in a primary school could remember the logo of a locally made beer," said Sirach.

"And some of the schoolchildren even said they would buy that beer and drink a lot of it when they grew up, because the beer contributed to society through its sponsorship of sporting and entertainment events. That simply scares me."

He said advertising campaigns by liquor companies now targeted potential drinkers at younger ages, because their market share among older drinkers was saturated.

Media for Youth Foundation secretary-general Phiriya Thongsorn said many articles in the Alcohol Control Act now being scrutinised by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) were unlikely to be passed, because several NLA members had ties to liquor companies.

He said proposals to impose strict controls on advertising and "social contributions" made by the liquor companies had much merit. One of the many methods used by the alcohol companies is to sponsor recreational events held at universities.

Wannisa Khamdee, head of the student body at Phra Nakhon Rajabhat University, said her group would campaign against pubs being located near campuses, even though there was no law against such venues now.