Thailand will enforce a ban on alcohol sales for two consecutive days this week to mark the Buddhist holidays of Asalha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day, with many shops, convenience stores and restaurants prohibited from selling alcoholic drinks, unless in areas falling under current exemptions.
The restriction begins at 12.01am on Wednesday, July 29, and remains in force until midnight on Thursday, July 30. The Royal Thai Police have reminded businesses across the country that anyone selling alcohol outside the legal exemptions could face up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
What visitors and expats need to know
For foreigners living in or visiting Thailand, the ban means alcohol will not be available from supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor shops or ordinary restaurants, unless exempt, during the two-day period. Anyone planning to buy beer, wine or spirits should do so before the restriction comes into effect.
The temporary prohibition is part of Thailand’s long-standing observance of major Buddhist religious holidays. While the rules apply nationwide, a number of exemptions introduced under the 2025 Prime Minister’s Office notification remain in place.
Alcohol sales are still permitted at licensed hotels, within passenger terminals at international airports, and at entertainment venues operating under the Entertainment Places Act. The exemptions also extend to venues operating in a similar manner to entertainment businesses in tourist areas formally designated by the Public Health Minister on the recommendation of the Interior Minister.
A further exemption covers officially designated venues hosting major national or international events involving large gatherings, provided they have been approved by the Public Health Minister following a recommendation from the Tourism and Sports Minister.
These exemptions apply to major tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where entertainment districts and nightlife zones contribute significantly to local economies. In these tourist areas, licensed venues in designated entertainment zones are allowed to serve alcohol, provided they comply with all licensing requirements and operating conditions.
Enforcement across Thailand
Authorities stressed that the exemptions apply only to properly licensed premises or officially designated locations. Ordinary restaurants, wholesalers, retailers and convenience stores are not automatically exempt and must meet the relevant legal requirements.
Asalha Bucha Day falls on July 29, the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, and is a public holiday for government offices, banks and much of the private sector. Buddhist Lent Day follows on July 30, marking the first waning moon of the same lunar month. It is a government holiday, although banks and many private businesses continue operating unless employers choose to grant additional leave.
The Royal Thai Police have assigned inspection teams to monitor compliance across the country.
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28 July 2026
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