Thailand: The tourism sector wants an end to alcohol restrictions

Tourism associations are asking the Prime Minister to lift the time restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol.

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

They claim that the new alcohol control law, which came into effect on November 8, 2025, is causing confusion among tourists and harming businesses.

Eight leading tourism and hotel associations submitted a petition to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Wednesday, November 12.

They urge the government to repeal the time restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol provided for in the new law on alcohol control BE 2568 (2025).

A law that leads to confusion and economic losses

Beer glasses and a meal in a restaurant.

Sanga Ruangwattanakul, chairman of the Khaosan Business Association, said the network was deeply concerned about the negative effects of the amended Alcohol Control Act (No. 2) BE 2568.

According to him, this law has already sown confusion among citizens and tourists and caused serious damage to the tourism and service sectors, harming Thailand's image during the high tourist season.

Alcohol restrictions deemed counterproductive

People are toasting with glass bottles.

The main issue raised was whether to maintain the ban on sales between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and after midnight, as well as the new ban on consumption during these hours, which provides for fines of up to 10,000 baht for offenders, including foreign tourists.

Mr. Sanga noted that these restrictions have disrupted the country's nightlife and tourist atmosphere and run counter to the government's efforts to revitalize the tourism sector.

While the associations support responsible alcohol consumption, they argue that current restrictions, in place for over 50 years, fail to reduce harm and instead encourage illicit trade and black markets.

Three urgent requests to support tourism

Tourists in the red-light district of Bangla Street in Patong, Phuket Island.

The associations urged the Prime Minister to consider three urgent measures:

1. Lift the bans on the sale and consumption of alcohol between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and after midnight

In order to ease the burden on businesses and prevent an increase in alcohol sales on the black market.

2. Review the zoning regulations related to the sale of alcohol

In particular in the main tourist provinces and designated areas for tourism promotion, to allow restaurants and entertainment venues to operate legally, in accordance with national tourism policies.

3. Repeal the ban on online alcohol sales.

This law contradicts the government's policy on the digital economy.

The associations propose allowing regulated online sales using age verification technology for both purchase and delivery.

Such measures would improve compliance while promoting local artisanal producers and OTOP producers, thereby offering new opportunities for digital growth in line with the "Thailand 4.0" vision.

Regulating alcohol while boosting tourism

Tourists at an airport in Thailand. Photo: The Nation Thailand

Sanga concluded that the network's recommendations aim to ensure a balance between responsible alcohol regulation and Thailand's goal of boosting tourism, local businesses, and the economy as a whole.

See also:

Alcohol + durian: a deadly combination normally well known in Thailand

Thailand: Alcohol allowed again in the afternoon in certain places

Thailand: Alcohol consumption is declining among young people

Source: The Nation Thailand