'Moonshine is worse'

"Liquor sales would have been higher if people were encouraged by convincing advertising, but in reality, it does not happen," he said.

"The more we limit the time alcohol commercials are shown [on television], the better liquor sells. The existing laws to control alcohol commercials are good and effective enough," he said.

Chaiya said he was more concerned about the abundance and availability of moonshine and consumption of illegally distilled or home-brewed alcohol by people around the country.

He said bootleg liquor was sold openly in plastic bags in large amounts because of low prices.

"Illegal liquor can be harmful to health and the country's economy as no revenue is earned from it," he added.

Activists say strict enforcement of anti-alcohol laws are crucial to successful control, and that 85 per cent of restaurants and food courts sold alcohol outside permitted hours.

The Nation