"Can't Buy Alcohol During the Day" No Longer True... Thailand Lifts Alcohol Sales Ban After 54 Years

Abolition of 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sales Ban

Alcohol Now Allowed from 11 a.m. to Midnight

In Thailand, the so-called "daytime drinking ban," which restricted alcohol sales during certain afternoon hours, has been abolished after more than 50 years. From now on, convenience stores, restaurants, and bars across Thailand will be able to sell alcohol continuously from 11 a.m. until midnight without any restrictions during the day.

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According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand on June 8, the National Alcohol Policy Committee of Thailand enacted a new regulation on May 29, setting the permitted hours for alcohol sales from 11 a.m. to midnight. As a result, the previous restriction on alcohol sales from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. has been eliminated.

Previously, alcohol could only be purchased in two separate time slots: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight. During the 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. window, sales were restricted at convenience stores and supermarkets, leading to complaints from tourists that "alcohol cannot be purchased during the day."

The regulation was reportedly introduced in 1972 under military rule. While it was initially interpreted as a measure to prevent government employees from drinking during work hours, over time it became regarded as a representative regulation that inconvenienced tourists and the restaurant industry.

Starting in December of last year, the Thai government implemented a 180-day trial lifting of the afternoon alcohol sales ban. With the new regulation now setting permitted sales hours from 11 a.m. to midnight, the long-standing restriction has effectively come to an end.

However, alcohol cannot be sold at all hours. Under the new rules, sales are still restricted from midnight to 11 a.m. Certain exceptions may apply to places such as international airports, hotels, and licensed entertainment venues.

Existing laws concerning alcohol consumption remain in effect. The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20, and alcohol sales or consumption are restricted in certain public places, including temples, government offices, gas stations, parks, and public transportation facilities.

Additionally, alcohol sales may be prohibited during specific periods designated by the government, such as election days and major religious holidays.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has advised travelers to purchase and consume alcohol only at licensed establishments, to carry identification if necessary, and to avoid drinking in public places where alcohol consumption is prohibited. The agency also urged that safe transportation should be used after drinking.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.