The Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee has approved in principle a proposal to allow 24-hour sales of beer and liquor in the Eastern Aviation City promotion zone, with a public hearing and royal decree required before implementation. The process is expected to be completed by no later than May 2026. The move is aimed at supporting economic activity in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
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The approval was made during the committee’s second meeting of 2026 on Friday, April 17, chaired by Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat. Dr Montien Kanasawat, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said the committee also approved a draft announcement on prohibited alcohol sales days. Under the draft, major Buddhist holy days will remain no-sale days, but the legal authority will shift from a Prime Minister’s Office announcement to one issued by the committee.
The proposal to relax alcohol sales hours was submitted by a representative of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee. It would allow licensed operators in the Eastern Aviation City area to sell alcohol around the clock in two categories of venues: event or exhibition areas, and restaurants that comply fully with relevant laws and regulations. The measure is intended to enhance the area’s appeal for tourism, events and international business.
Montien said the policy is expected to help stimulate the economy, although he noted that detailed supporting data should be provided by the EEC authorities. The committee also reviewed an assessment of alcohol sales during the 2pm to 5pm period, instructing the Department of Disease Control to gather further data. Initial findings covering December 2025 to March 2026, compared with the same period a year earlier, showed no increase in overall traffic accidents.
Data also indicated no rise in accidents during the 2pm to midnight period, previously considered the most likely window for increased risk. The total number of traffic accidents remained unchanged over the review period. These findings were presented as part of ongoing monitoring of alcohol policy impacts.
The Nation reported that the next step will be a public consultation on the proposed changes. If approved, the measure will be enacted through a royal decree, following a legal process requiring 30 days plus a further 30 days in line with Council of State requirements. Authorities expect the full process to conclude by May 2026.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 18 Apr 2026
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