End of alcohol restrictions in Thailand: relief for tourism

Thailand is lifting the ban on consuming alcohol between 2 pm and 5 pm and extending nighttime service by one hour.

This decision, which will come into effect within 15 days, has been welcomed by tourism professionals in the midst of high season.

These changes come after a major tightening of alcohol rules under the amended law on the control of alcoholic beverages (No. 2) BE 2568, which came into effect on November 8.

Under the new law, not only sellers but also consumers could be fined up to 10,000 baht (around 265 euros) for consuming alcohol during prohibited hours.

See: Drinking alcohol in Thailand between 2pm and 5pm can cost you dearly

The restrictions concerned consumption between 2 pm and 5 pm and from midnight to 11 am, except for approved hotels, entertainment venues, and certain tourist establishments.

New alcohol law in Thailand: tourism should benefit

Police officers are conducting an inspection at a nightclub in Pattaya.

The Thai private sector expects tourism to benefit from the government's decision to ease alcohol restrictions, even if health officials warn of potential risks.

On November 13, the National Committee on Alcohol Beverage Policy approved lifting the ban on consuming alcohol between 2 pm and 5 pm and extending the on-premise alcohol service by one hour after midnight.

The new rules are expected to come into effect within 15 days.

This decision follows lobbying by business groups and pressure from opposition parties.

The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Attakorn Sirilatthayakorn, said at an economic cabinet meeting that these restrictions had sparked complaints from foreign visitors.

Thai businesses have also stated that these rules are harming tourism.

The government held an emergency meeting after some countries issued advisories on previous sales and consumption restrictions in Thailand.

A crucial easing during the peak tourist season

Passengers arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Photo: Somchai Poomlard/Bangkok Post

The president of the Thai Hotel Association, Thienprasert Chaipattaranan, said that this decision eliminated a disadvantage for visitors who want to drink alcohol during meals or at social gatherings.

This change comes as Thailand enters its busiest tourist season, with a significant influx of international visitors and robust domestic tourism.

He said that this policy should boost spending during the year-end holidays, although the effect may not be immediately reflected in the forecasts.

"In the future, stronger support to attract foreign tourists is almost certain given this new clarification," he said, adding that the old rules no longer reflected modern Thai society.

Thienprasert warned that this adjustment would not lead to a sudden increase in long-haul arrivals this year, as travelers from Europe and the US generally plan their trips several months in advance.

Restaurants, bars, and hoteliers hope for improved competitiveness

Photo: SEEN Restaurant & Bar in Bangkok.

Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, Vice President of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said:

"The extension of alcohol service hours will benefit restaurants, pubs, bars, and entertainment venues during the high season and attract high-spending tourists from Europe and Australia."

These visitors spend around 8,000 to 12,000 baht per trip and often dine late, he added, making the current closing hours restrictive.

Longer hours also allow businesses to operate legally and create jobs, especially for night service and security personnel.

He stressed that this policy could help Thailand compete with destinations like Vietnam, which imposes no restrictions on hours of alcohol sales.

At Koh Samui, where the high tourist season for Europeans and Australians runs from November to February, the extended hours are expected to support demand.

Mr. Ratchaporn acknowledged concerns about alcohol-related accidents and said data needed to be collected to measure any increase.

He called for additional measures such as stricter drunk driving controls, extended public transportation late at night, and a 'last drink' rule to prevent serving intoxicated customers.

Safety, scams, and tourist confidence: concerns persist

Taxi on Khao San Road in Bangkok. Photo: LeoPatrizi

Thienprasert said the most pressing challenge for the industry was the exploitation of tourists, citing cases of overcharging, taxi drivers refusing to use the meter, and other reprehensible behavior.

See: Tourists tired of being ripped off by taxis and tuk tuks in Thailand

"We cannot allow this to become normal in the eyes of foreigners," he said.

"The government must enforce the law seriously — real arrests, real fines, real license revocations — and widely communicate these measures.

This helps strengthen confidence without an additional budget."

Tourism from major short-haul markets, such as China and Malaysia, remains weak, he added.

Confidence has been shaken by tourist kidnappings by fraudulent call centers in Myanmar and Cambodia, and ongoing tensions at the Thailand-Cambodia border.

See also:

Thailand: Alcohol consumption is declining among young people

Tourism in Thailand continues to decline, but revenue increases

Tourism in Thailand: Boom in American Travelers Expected

Source: Khaosod English