Year: 2026
Type: article
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.
Authors: Sawitri Assanangkornchai, Wit Wichaidit, Gianna Gayle H. Amul, Ian Yi Han Ang, Surasak Chaiyasong, Pheak Chhoun, Chean Lin Chong, Andrea Mong Rui Chua, Noran N. Hairi, Enjeline Hanafi, Ahmed S. Hassan, Kyaw Ko Ko Htet, Wah Yun Low, John Robert Carabeo Medina, Belinda J. Murtani, Hoang Thi My Hanh, Nguyen The Vinh, Jiraluck Nontarak, Sok King Ong, Pol Rovira, Kevin Shield, Kristiana Siste, Vathsana Somphet, Bundit Sornpaisarn, Vanphanom Sychareun, Chansathit Taikeophithoun, Yik Ying Teo, Vassana Thammavongsa, Wen Ting Tong, Polathep Vichitkunakorn, Andreas Suryo Wijaya, Yang Qian, Jason CH Yap, Siyan Yi, Nurhaliza Zakariah, Nyi Nyi Zayar, Hafsah Alwafa Zulakmal, Jürgen Rehm
Institutions: Prince of Songkla University, Center for Alcohol Studies, Ateneo de Manila University, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Mahasarakham University, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, University of Malaya, University of Indonesia, Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Nasional Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, University of the Philippines Manila, Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Ministry of Health, Mahidol University, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Western University, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, University of Health Sciences Vientiane, Ministry of Health, Universidade do Porto, Institute of Public Health, University of Porto
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7125269560