A study revealed that 25.8% of Cambodian youth aged 15–19 engage in heavy episodic drinking (HED) — a figure exceeding that of regional neighbours like Thailand (21.6%) and approaching Vietnam (30.9%). AI
While the WHO reports steady global progress in reducing alcohol consumption, a new policy white paper and national data from Cambodia reveal a troubling local picture — particularly among the Kingdom’s youth.
The contrasting narratives underscore a growing divide between international momentum and domestic health challenges.
According to the World Health Statistics 2025 released by WHO last week, global alcohol consumption is on a downward trend.
The world is “on track to reach the 20% reduction in total per-capita alcohol consumption by 2030,” the report notes, citing improved policy action and awareness in several regions.
The reduction is part of a broader initiative under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for stronger control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their associated risk factors.
Alcohol use is a major contributor to the global burden of disease, linked to liver disease, cardiovascular conditions and a range of cancers.
Though the WHO did not detail specific regional data in this chapter, it emphasised that the trend reflects policy interventions, public awareness campaigns and shifting social behaviors in some demographics.
In the context of WHO’s broader “Triple Billion” strategy — aimed at improving health outcomes by 2025 — the reduction in alcohol consumption is one of the few targets that appears to be on schedule.
Other goals, including expanded universal health coverage and improved protection from health emergencies, remain significantly behind target.
The agency cautions that while the progress on alcohol reduction is notable, it must be maintained and expanded if the global community is to meet its health commitments by 2030.
“Safeguarding the gains made towards the Triple Billion targets remains of paramount importance,” the report urges.
However, in Cambodia, the picture is starkly different.
Cambodia’s youth face mounting risks
A joint white paper released by the Southeast Asia Public Policy Institute (SEAPPI) and the Asian Vision Institute (AVI) titled “Developing a Policy Landscape in Cambodia to Combat Harmful Alcohol Consumption” reveals that 25.8% of Cambodian youth aged 15–19 engage in heavy episodic drinking (HED) — a figure exceeding that of regional neighbours like Thailand (21.6%) and approaching Vietnam (30.9%).
This level of consumption among teens is being exacerbated by a critical regulatory gap: Cambodia is one of the only countries in Asia without a Minimum Legal Purchasing Age (MLPA) for alcohol.
“This regulatory vacuum has left young people exposed,” the report states, emphasing that legal reform is overdue.
Economic boom, health bust?
Cambodia’s alcohol industry, especially beer, is booming. Worth $1.1 billion in 2024, it’s projected to double to $2.2 billion by 2032.
Domestic breweries dominate the market, producing 98% of the 1.1 billion litres of beer consumed annually. Per capita beer consumption now stands at 72.2 litres per person per year, according to Kirin Holdings.
Yet this growth comes with serious health and social costs. “One person spends $486 a year on alcohol,” noted Ministry of Health secretary of state Or Vandine during a recent health roundtable. “For the four million people aged 15+, that amounts to nearly $2 billion annually.”
She warned of rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to alcohol, including liver cirrhosis, heart attacks, strokes and mental health issues, which now collectively cost the healthcare system hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
No safe amount
“There is no safe level of alcohol consumption because it contains ethanol,” Vandine explained.
“It’s addictive, toxic, and increases the risk of death from NCDs and road accidents,” she added.
Data from the 2023 NCD Risk Study show that 30.6% of drinkers in Cambodia are between 15 and 18 years old.
Alarmingly, half of all youth who drank in the past month reported being intoxicated at least once.
Despite these trends, public perception remains dangerously skewed — over 60% of youth surveyed consider beer a “safer” drink compared to spirits, contributing to widespread binge drinking.
Call for urgent action
The white paper issued by SEAPPI and AVI calls for swift and strategic action, including:
- Setting a minimum legal purchasing age of 18;
- Developing national drinking guidelines;
- Strengthening enforcement of advertising regulations;
- Launching public education campaigns targeting youth;
- Establishing a licensing system to monitor alcohol sales and combat illicit trade.
Survey data also suggest strong public support for reform. A national poll of over 1,300 Cambodians found 94% in favour of clear drinking guidelines.
“This isn’t just a health issue — it’s a social and economic challenge,” said Dr. Chheng Kimlong, Director of AVI.
“Cambodia needs evidence-based policymaking and cross-sector cooperation to reverse the damage,” he continued.
A tale of two realities
As WHO celebrates global progress in reducing alcohol consumption, Cambodia stands at a crossroads.
While the beer industry fuels economic growth and employment, unchecked consumption — especially among youth — threatens to erode those very gains through long-term health and social consequences.
“Cambodia has an opportunity to lead,” said Ed Ratcliffe, Executive Director of SEAPPI.
“With the right policies, public support and leadership, the Kingdom can balance economic ambition with a commitment to safeguarding the health of its people,” he added.
