Thailand was the subject of a story in the American edition of Vogue magazine today, but it wasn’t a profile of a hip designer or news about an emerging fashion trend.
Instead, Vogue wanted to point out to its influential audience that, should they choose to vacation in Thailand, they should be careful about what they publish to social media.
The article explained that alcohol advertising is illegal in the country and that even posting a photo to your own account showing alcohol brands could be construed as advertising or endorsing.
Since many influencers read U.S. Vogue, it’s worth pointing out to them. However, the article probably won’t do much for the Thai tourism industry.
It goes on to point out the connection of the booze laws to Buddhism, the country’s “sin tax,” and that most bars close at midnight.
The law being referenced is the 2008 Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which states that photos displaying branded booze products are not legal.
Vogue points out that celebrities and other influencers in Thailand have been charged and fined over the law but that, more recently, regular bar staff members sharing a promotion on Facebook were also arrested.
If police suspect you of breaking this law, you could be fined up to THB50,000 (USD1,500).
Just yesterday, we reported on another case in which a hotel owner was charged for hosting a Facebook Live video in which a beer brand was featured.
