Thailand lifts confusing ban on afternoon alcohol sales for tourists

After more than 50 years, Thailand is ending its unusual ban on alcohol sales during the afternoon, a rule that has long puzzled tourists. Since 1972, the sale of beer, wine, and spirits in shops was prohibited from 2 pm to 5 pm, with violators facing substantial fines.

The government has decided to remove this restriction for a trial period of 180 days, aiming to support the tourism sector. Previously, alcohol could still be consumed in restaurants, bars, and hotels during these hours, but retail sales were tightly regulated.

Local residents were accustomed to seeing stores and supermarkets hide alcoholic beverages and display notices about the time limit. The new temporary suspension of the ban coincides with New Year celebrations, a peak period for international visitors, and is part of efforts to stimulate the economy amid declining tourist numbers, especially from China.

Thailand has faced a sharp drop in visitors due to safety concerns, including the kidnapping of a Chinese actor and an earthquake in March, leading influencers to warn against travel. Despite its reputation for vibrant nightlife in cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya, Thailand has high rates of alcohol-related traffic fatalities, with government data reporting nearly 33,000 deaths between 2019 and 2023.

Thailands move to relax the afternoon alcohol ban reflects a balancing act between supporting tourism and managing public health risks, while addressing the long-standing confusion the law caused for international travelers.

Author: Harper Simmons