The increasing trend of alcohol consumption among Cambodian youth, particularly those aged 15 to 18, has raised serious concerns about non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 

Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled "Implementation of Laws and Regulations Related to the Advertisement of Alcohol Products in the Kingdom of Cambodia", Or Vandine, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the alarming rise in alcohol use among young people.

The event, held in Phnom Penh, brought together around 1,000 participants, including government officials, advertisers and influencers to discuss the country's advertising regulations. 

“Alcohol is harmful to your health from the first glass, and there is no safe level of alcohol consumption because it contains ethanol,” Vandine explained. 

She emphasised that ethanol can lead to addiction, nerve damage, violence and an increase in NCDs. Citing research, she noted that alcohol-related deaths account for 4.7% of all fatalities.

Research from the US National Institutes of Health identified the liver as the first organ affected by ethanol, which can lead to conditions like cirrhosis. In 48% of these cases, the disease progresses to liver cancer, with a mortality rate of 66.8%.

Other common problems include pancreatic damage, oral and throat cancers, gastrointestinal inflammation or cancer, traffic accidents and violence.

The 2021-2022 Cambodian Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) found that alcohol consumption in the country is widespread, with no significant difference between urban and rural areas. It revealed that 70% of men and 16% of women consumed alcohol in the month preceding the survey.

The 2023 NCD Risk Study in Cambodia reported that 50% of people aged 18 to 69 had consumed alcohol in the 30 days prior, with 71.2% of men and 26.5% of women in that age group. 

Notably, 30.6% of drinkers were young people aged 15 to 18 years. Vandine raised concerns about the rising trend. 

“We must act together to curb NCDs. Previously, these diseases mostly affected the elderly, but now they are affecting young people,” she said.

Students pose for a picture underneath one of the alcohol industry’s 25 “goodwill” campaign billboards in Phnom Penh. AKP

She warned that if no action is taken between 2025 and 2030, consumption will increase dramatically. 

Vandine pointed out that since 1982, alcohol use had grown slowly until it surged significantly after 2010, reaching alarming levels by 2019. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cambodians aged 15 and older consumed an average of 16.2 litres of pure alcohol per year in 2019 – 21.8 litres for men and 8.1 litres for women.

In addition to health impacts, alcohol use also has economic consequences for individuals and families. 

"One person spends $486 a year on alcohol, and for the four million people over the age of 15, this amounts to $1.944 billion annually," Vandine said.

Regarding healthcare costs, she added that alcohol-related cancers cost $283 million annually, strokes $56 million, heart attacks $22.5 million and mental health issues $48 million.

Phos Sovann, director-general of information and audiovisual services at the ministry and a member of the Alcohol Control Working Group (ACWG), supported responsible drinking, acknowledging that alcohol is harmful from the start. 

"Drinking should be guided by three principles: avoiding contempt and negligence, drinking according to the occasion and maintaining a balance for health and social relationships," he said.

Minister of Information and ACWG chair Neth Pheaktra spoke at a workshop on the alcohol industry’s "goodwill" campaign on October 10. 

He noted that the country’s beer market has grown significantly, boosting the economy. However, he said while sales are recovering, they haven't reached pre-pandemic levels.

There are currently seven major breweries in Cambodia, five locally-owned and two owned by foreign companies. 

“In 2023, domestic production supplied 98% of the 1.1 billion litres of beer consumed, with imports accounting for only 11 million litres,” said Pheaktra. 

Beer makes up 88% of the alcohol market, driven by low-cost options, more so than in other ASEAN countries.

A 2022 Kirin Holding study found that Cambodians consume an average of 72.2 litres of beer per person annually. 

The beer industry contributes to tax revenue, job creation and GDP growth, with employment numbers rising from 3,393 jobs in 2019 to 4,803 in 2023.

"Factors that motivate Cambodian people to drink more beer include its affordability, a wide variety of brands, a legal framework for controlling the production, distribution and consumption of alcohol that is not yet very strict and habits and lifestyles associated with beer. The beer strategy is very comprehensive and competitive," Pheaktra explained. 

He emphasised the need for responsible marketing as alcohol-related harm increases, noting that the country’s beer market is fueled by affordability, brand variety and lenient alcohol regulations. 

The minister stressed the importance of balancing economic growth with social responsibility.