Snapshots
Travelling tjben4 Thailand soon? Your mid-day margaritas may be a liability! Thai authorities have cautioned tourists visiting the country to consider the time before placing their drink orders. Starting from November 8, anybody found drinking or buying alcohol during prohibited hours might face fines of up to 10,000 Thai baht (AUD 470).
What are the latest Thailand tourism rules?
The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited by Thailand's long-standing alcohol restrictions from 2 pm to 5 pm and again from midnight to 11 am. Until recently, these limitations primarily affected vendors. But starting this Saturday, the new, stringent drinking laws in Thailand will also apply to individual drinkers, enabling the government to punish both locals and visitors who buy or consume alcohol during the forbidden hours.
What are the revised drinking laws in Thailand?
Bloomberg reports that the revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act now includes customers in its purview of enforcement, with penalties beginning at 10,000 baht (about Rs. 27,500). This restriction builds upon an earlier prohibition that has been in effect since 1972, which prohibits most retail shops and supermarkets from selling alcohol between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. The revised statute may impose fines on individuals who consume alcohol during the restricted hours, even if they continue drinking after those hours have ended. There are still some exempt places, such as hotels, licensed entertainment venues, designated tourist spots, and international airports. According to the new regulations, advertisements must only include accurate information, and public figures, influencers, and celebrities are prohibited from promoting alcohol.
Thailand's alcohol laws may just be counterintuitive
The regulation may affect eateries, as it restricts customers rather than revenue, according to Chanon Koetcharoen, president of the Thai Restaurant Association, who spoke with Bloomberg. Shopkeepers along Bangkok's famous Khao San Road, where many tourists go, have complained about the lax enforcement of alcohol sales regulations for a long time. Sales of alcoholic beverages may decrease by half during certain periods because of the new law and the potential for individual fines imposed on drinkers, according to one management source.
Some people are concerned that this law could lead to biased enforcement. Opposition lawmaker Taopiphop Limjittrakorn of the People's Party stated that the statute benefits anti-alcohol organisations. The goal of the anti-alcohol lobby was to get their wish granted by the revised statute. He was also concerned that it might lead unwary international tourists to drink alcohol they had purchased before the restriction period ended, so breaking the law.
_1717595020405_thumb_300.jpeg)
Drinking laws in Thailand- what is the status now?
However, there is some positive news for tourists: the ban does not apply at many hotels, licensed restaurants, and entertainment venues, allowing patrons to lawfully order alcohol there even during the prohibited hours. However, Thai officials still advise tourists to be cautious and familiarise themselves with the rules before their arrival to avoid any trouble. Thailand's new alcohol regulations also impose severe limitations on advertising. No promotional use of famous people, influencers, or public figures to sell alcoholic drinks is allowed; only factual, informative content is allowed. Restaurants and bars may face new difficulties as a result of the revisions, as the authorised selling hours now apply to customers as well as sellers. This modification could have an impact on the hospitality sector.
Rumours circulated in March 2025 that, in an ironic attempt to liberalise the market and increase tourists, Thailand was contemplating lifting the afternoon alcohol sales ban and easing limits on alcohol advertising. There have been rumours that the Thai House of Representatives has voted to loosen the limits, and the Senate is currently waiting to ratify the modifications.
The latest update on Thailand's alcohol laws
Shortly after the vote, both the hospitality and tourism industries reacted negatively. Reports indicate that operators in the hospitality industry claimed the new rule disrupted regular service patterns and confused foreign visitors to Thailand who were hoping to enjoy a leisurely afternoon drink. In response, the administration has implemented measures to temporarily halt the ban. Thai authorities have declared that, as of the first week of December, a six-month pilot program will allow the sale of alcoholic beverages from 2 to 5 p.m. Bloomberg reported that on November 13, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat suggested that the pilot program could be extended beyond mid-2026, depending on its performance during the trial. The update allows travellers to relax and enjoy their afternoon drinks without any concerns. Licensed entertainment venues, specific hotels, recognized enterprises in tourist zones, and airports with foreign flights are notable exceptions to the law that permits alcohol service at all hours of the day.
The ever-changing alcohol rules in Thailand are a reflection of the country's continuous struggle to meet the demands of its tourism-driven economy while also prioritising public health. The government's decision to delay the afternoon sales ban demonstrates a willingness to adapt in response to industry criticism, despite the concerns that arose for visitors and business owners due to the harsher laws implemented on November 1. The opposition to the extension of penalties for individual drinkers was particularly evident.
The way forward
A major change is coming up in the form of a six-month trial that would enable alcohol sales from 2 to 5 p.m. This will provide travellers with more options while clarifying a long-standing peculiar limitation. However, tourists must stay vigilant because specific venue restrictions, enforcement standards, and exceptions to general norms still apply. Licensed places are already excluded, so tourists can relax knowing that afternoon drinks are mainly back on the menu. It's now much easier to have a beverage in Thailand; however, it's still important to stay conscious of local rules.