Thailand Relaxes Afternoon Alcohol Rules After Tourism Industry Pushback

Travelling to Thailand soon? Visitors should be aware that the country's strict rules on afternoon drinking are being reconsidered, offering welcome news for those who enjoy a leisurely drink while exploring. Under recent changes to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, anyone caught drinking alcohol between 2 pm and 5 pm could face fines of up to 10,000 baht (more than Rs 27K). The regulation also targeted the advertising of alcoholic drinks (particularly using celebrities, influencers, or other promotional tactics) and placed the burden of compliance squarely on consumers, rather than just businesses.

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Then came swift backlash from the tourism and hospitality sectors. As per reports, operators argued that the rule hampered the usual service patterns at restaurants and bars and created confusion for tourists in Thailand who were expecting the usual ease of sipping a drink in the afternoon. In response, the government has moved to suspend the restriction for now. Thai officials have announced that, beginning in early December, alcohol sales will once again be permitted from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. under a six-month trial programme. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said on Nov. 13 that the pilot could be extended past mid-2026 if the trial proves successful, reported Bloomberg.

For travellers, the change means that those afternoon drinks can be enjoyed without worry. It is important to note that licensed entertainment venues, certain hotels, certified establishments in tourist areas and airports with international flights used to be exempted from the rules (and continue to be) - they are allowed to serve alcohol throughout the day.

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