Thailand Introduces New Alcohol Rules Nationwide

7 hours ago, gargamon said:

Most idiotic drinking law I saw was in NC. When daylight savings time kicked in the bars would stay open an extra hour. We called it daylight drinking time.

Almost all bars in the USA and Canada do this too. It is not specific to on particular state. Alcohol serving hours are based upon the time.

34 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

Almost all bars in the USA and Canada do this too. It is not specific to on particular state. Alcohol serving hours are based upon the time.

Rubbish. I've lived in many Canadian provinces and 5 US states. Bars generally close at a set time regardless of DST. North Carolina bars were open till 1am except during daylight savings time when they were open till 2am.

1 hour ago, gargamon said:

Rubbish. I've lived in many Canadian provinces and 5 US states. Bars generally close at a set time regardless of DST. North Carolina bars were open till 1am except during daylight savings time when they were open till 2am.

A quick internet search will show that multiple Canadian provinces and US states follow the same format as North Carolina.

Instead of dismissing anyone who points out the reality, why not go and see for yourself. What is wrong with you?

20 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Thailand has introduced eight new regulations governing the sale and consumption of alcohol, with the measures taking effect immediately following their publication in the Royal Gazette on May 12. The updated rules expand restrictions across transport hubs, public spaces and government-controlled areas as authorities seek to modernise legislation first introduced in 2008.

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Under the new regulations, the sale of alcoholic beverages is now banned on roads, on vehicles and on vehicles located on roads. Alcohol sales are also prohibited at train stations and on trains, except during special events held inside the air-conditioned halls of Bangkok Station.

The rules further prohibit the sale or consumption of alcohol at public passenger piers, ferry terminals and all passenger transport stations nationwide. Additional restrictions apply to factories, where alcohol sales and consumption are banned except at liquor production plants, which are permitted to sell alcohol as part of their normal business operations and allow tasting during the production process.

Alcohol sales and consumption are also prohibited in areas under the supervision and use of government agencies, state enterprises and other public bodies. Exceptions apply to designated private residences, clubs and traditional banquet events located within such areas.

The regulations also ban alcohol sales and consumption in public parks owned by state enterprises or government agencies, as well as within state enterprises and other government offices. The measures form part of an update to the original 2008 alcohol control law, with officials stating the revisions are intended to better reflect current conditions and public policy needs.

The announcement comes as Thailand continues debating broader alcohol policy reforms, including proposals linked to tourism and economic development. One proposal under consideration would allow 24-hour alcohol sales in designated areas within the Eastern Economic Corridor, aimed at boosting tourism revenue and investment.

Authorities have also focused on drink-driving enforcement during major holiday periods, including the 2026 Songkran road safety campaign. Alcohol consumption and public safety remain key issues for policymakers as the government balances economic interests with health and transport safety concerns.

Naewna reported that officials have not yet announced further enforcement measures or penalties related to the new regulations, but the rules are now legally effective nationwide. Businesses operating in transport, government and public service areas are expected to adjust operations immediately to comply with the updated law.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 13 May 2026

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"...The sale of alcoholic beverages is now banned on roads,...."

Does that mean we have to buy beer etc from a 7/11 which is floating in a lake or something as currently beer etc are sold in 7/11 shops which are situated on roads? 😃

The general changes will not make much difference to us farangs as most of us do not travel in public transport seeing it covers very little of the country, most go by car anyway.

I have not been on a bus for decades and never on a long distance train, only the local internal Bangkok train system once or twice.

As long as we can booze on international flights that is all that matters.

19 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

"...The sale of alcoholic beverages is now banned on roads,...."

Does that mean we have to buy beer etc from a 7/11 which is floating in a lake or something as currently beer etc are sold in 7/11 shops which are situated on roads? 😃

Probably.

Also all alcohol sales in restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other places that are located directly on roads are of course also banned. 😄

Maybe there has to be a pavement between the seller and the road? 🤔