A new wave of international research is challenging widespread beliefs about alcohol, warning that no type of alcoholic drink is inherently “safer” or “healthier” than others. Thai readers who might have heard that red wine is somehow beneficial, or that clear spirits are less damaging than dark liquors, should take note: experts now agree, alcohol in any form poses risks to health, and moderation—or abstention—is the best strategy for reducing harm (NYT).
For decades, a glass of wine with dinner was often touted as heart-healthy, while some maintained beer or clear liquors like vodka were less harmful than darker spirits like whiskey or rum. However, leading international scientists, such as a senior addiction researcher at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, argue that “alcohol is alcohol.” Whether it’s beer, wine, or spirits, the ethanol within each drink is the chief culprit behind alcohol’s many health risks.
This issue matters for Thais more than ever. Alcohol consumption remains deeply woven into social and celebratory cultures, from village festivals to Bangkok nightlife. Recent years have seen rising concern about the health impacts—especially given increased access to high-strength sweetened premixed drinks among youths and rising rates of liver disease in the kingdom.
Regardless of alcohol type, experts point out that when the body metabolizes ethanol, it produces acetaldehyde, described as a “really nasty substance” by researchers like a University of Victoria alcohol scientist. Acetaldehyde can damage DNA in tissues throughout the body—including the mouth, throat, liver, colon, and breasts—raising the risk of at least seven forms of cancer. “When DNA gets repaired, cancerous mutations may arise,” noted a Columbia University epidemiology professor, underscoring the seriousness of these exposures.
Public health experts worldwide—including those from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health—have voiced concern over the links between excessive drinking and heart disease, liver disease, depression, anxiety, and memory problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “excessive alcohol use”—defined as eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men, or heavy episodic “binge” drinking—significantly raises the risk for these and other conditions (CDC).
So, does one type of alcohol pose less harm than another? Leading epidemiologists stress that, while drinks vary in strength, the real danger comes from how much ethanol you consume overall. The key metric is “alcohol by volume” (A.B.V.), which is legally required on product labels. For example, a standard 12-ounce beer at 5% A.B.V. contains the same ethanol as a 5-ounce glass of wine at 12% A.B.V., or a 1.5-ounce shot of 40% spirits. However, the landscape is complicated: certain strong craft beers may exceed the A.B.V. of some wines, and some liquors are weaker than others (CDC Standard Drink Guide).
In Thailand, where whisky and beer are both popular, it’s important for consumers to understand these differences. A large bottle of local beer may contain more alcohol than a single shot of whisky—and the cultural practices around sharing bottles or consuming “ya dong” herbal spirits can make it difficult to track consumption accurately. This is especially relevant during public holidays, when drunk driving and hospital admissions due to alcohol spike (WHO Thailand Alcohol Profile).
The notion that red wine is protective stems from a now-disputed belief in the so-called “French Paradox”—the idea that wine drinkers in France lived longer, healthier lives despite a diet rich in saturated fats. More recent global health studies, however, have challenged this logic. The World Health Organization (WHO) now affirms there is no safe level of alcohol use: every drink carries some risk, especially for cancer (WHO).
Researchers also warn against high-calorie, sugar-rich mixed drinks and “alcopops,” especially those popular among young people. Cocktails mixed with soft drinks or juices may increase the risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart diseases due to both the ethanol and the sugar content. In the Bangkok nightlife scene and at university gatherings, such drinks are common, posing a double health threat to younger Thais.
A further caution for Thai consumers: drinks mixed with caffeine—such as “energy mixer” cocktails or the trendy espresso martini—can mask the subjective effects of drunkenness, potentially prompting people to drink more and reach dangerously high levels of intoxication. This combination is linked to an increased risk of accidents and alcohol poisoning (CDC Alcohol and Caffeine).
“For those who choose to drink, stick to beverages with lower alcohol content—such as light beers or lower-A.B.V. wines—and pay attention to portion size,” recommends a Tulane University clinical medicine professor featured in the New York Times report. Calculating the true ethanol content of cocktails is particularly complicated, so choosing simple beverages may help consumers monitor their intake.
From a cultural perspective, Thailand’s festivals, rites of passage, and even business deals are often accompanied by alcohol. Efforts from the government and local NGOs, such as the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, have pushed for greater education about drinking guidelines and risks, including the “Don’t Drive Drunk” campaigns and school-based awareness programs (ThaiHealth). Nevertheless, societal attitudes and peer pressure around drinking remain barriers to reducing consumption.
Health advocates emphasize practical strategies: setting clear limits, alternating alcoholic drinks with water, choosing lower-A.B.V. options, and never mixing alcohol with medication. For those living with existing health conditions—such as liver disease, diabetes, or a family history of cancer—abstaining from alcohol altogether is strongly advised. Pregnant women and adolescents, in particular, face heightened risks from any alcohol exposure.
Looking ahead, international trends suggest a growing preference for no- and low-alcohol alternatives among young people, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Thai beverage companies are also beginning to introduce these products, but public awareness remains low compared to Western markets. “Mindful drinking” and “sober curious” movements may gain traction here, offering social options without health risks.
As new research continues to debunk the myths about alcohol and health, the message is clear for Thai readers: No type of alcoholic drink is “safe”—and the less you consume, the lower your health risks. When you do choose to drink, opt for beverages with lower alcohol content, steer clear of sugary mixers and caffeine, and be mindful of portion sizes. Above all, consider the cultural context and peer pressures that shape your decisions, and don’t hesitate to seek help or information if you have concerns about your drinking.
For more information, readers are encouraged to consult reputable sources such as the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Ministry of Public Health, or international organizations like the World Health Organization. Taking proactive steps to minimize alcohol-related harm can protect your health and wellbeing—and set a positive example for family and community.