Thailand allows afternoon alcohol sales again for year-end holiday celebrations

BANGKOK On Wednesday, Thailand officially removed a long-standing restriction on selling alcoholic beverages in the afternoon, a regulation that had been in place for 53 years. The adjustment is aimed at stimulating tourism during the year-end holidays and supporting businesses such as bars, restaurants, and convenience stores.

The previous ban, which prohibited sales from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., will now be lifted on a trial basis for 180 days, after which authorities will review its impact. The law, originally introduced in 1972 under military governance, restricted the sale of beer, spirits, and wine, though the rationale behind it has become largely unclear over time.

Thailands population is predominantly Buddhist, a faith that generally discourages alcohol consumption, yet drinking remains a common social activity. Under the revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, customers may now purchase alcohol between 11 a.m. and midnight. Nightlife establishments can continue serving drinks until 1 a.m.

While the amendment has been welcomed, some officials have expressed concern that extended alcohol availability could increase instances of drunk driving. Previously, afternoon sales existed in a legal gray zone, with certain exceptions for airports, entertainment venues, and hotels. Enforcement varied by area, and small shops and eateries sometimes sold alcohol informally during the restricted hours.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many regions temporarily imposed a full ban on alcohol sales to curb the spread of the virus, making this latest change a significant shift in policy.

Author: Jackson Miller