Sawitri Assanangkornchai, Wit Wichaidi, Gianna Gayle H. Amul, Ian Yi Han Ang, Surasak Chaiyasong, Pheak Chhoun, Chean Lin Chong, Andrea Mong Rui Chua, Noran Naqiah Hairi, Enjeline Hanafi, Ahmed S. Hassan, Kyaw Ko Ko Htet, Prof. Dr. Wah Yun Low, John Robert Carabeo Medina, Belinda J. Murtani, Hoàng Thị Mỹ Hạnh, Nguyen The Vinh, Jiraluck Nontarak, Sok King Ong, Pol Rovira, Kevin D. Shield, Kristiana Siste, Vathsana Somphet, Bundit Sornpaisarn, Vanphanom Sychareun, Chansathit Taikeophithoun, Yik-Ying Teo, Vassana Thammavongsa, Wen Ting Tong, Polathep Vichitkunakorn, Andreas Suryo Wijaya, Qian Yang, Jason C.H. Yap, Siyan Yi, Nurhaliza Zakariah, Nyi Nyi Zayar, Hafsah Alwafa Zulakmal, Jürgen Rehm
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.