StopDrink Network Protested ICAP Meeting in Thailand

On September 9th, 2009, over fifty members of StopDrink Network and its partners gathered at Thai Ministry of Health office opposing a meeting between representatives of International Center for Alcohol Policy (ICAP) and representatives of the Health Ministry to discuss how to solve alcohol problems in Thailand.

ICAP is a so-called “Social Aspect Organization” financially sponsored by several major alcohol beverage corporations.

StopDrink Network and partners had therefore expressed its strong position against the meeting and demanded the Health Minister to reject the meeting request. The Network presented to the Deputy Minister an unsealed letter pointing out the intention behind this meeting of ICAP, “lobbyist from international alcohol giants”. A press release was also produced and distributed. The Network cautioned the Health Minister including other government officials on ICAP’s objectives and its role as a representative of the alcohol industry. The Health Minister stated that he was well aware of ICAP and would not have a meeting with them.

ICAP eventually met with an advisor of the Health Minister instead. After the discussion, the Advisor disclosed that ICAP had asked Thai Health Ministry to organize a seminar promoting legally sale of alcohol beverages. They suggested inviting related governmental officials, researchers, NGOs, consumers and general public to join the event. The advisor denied the request as the organizer, but he expressed his support for ICAP to arrange the event, if it does not break Thai’s regulations.


                                    
                                                           Street demonstration

                                     
The Deputy Minister came to receive the statement, and demonstration leader conducted a symbolic activity, sawing the “ICAP Box” to show that inside ICAP is global brand drinks.