The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand is considering easing alcohol restrictions at traditional events, such as wedding banquets and diplomatic gatherings, held in venues that currently observe alcohol prohibitions. The Office of the Alcohol Control Committee is gathering feedback on a draft regulation from the Prime Minister's Office, which seeks to evaluate the impact of such exemptions. Public consultation for this initiative is open from March 2 to March 16, as per a DDC source.
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This proposed regulation is rooted in amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which now includes a legal definition of "traditional banquets," referring to events that historically incorporate alcohol consumption. Authorities aim to determine if specific occasions should be classified under this designation, allowing alcohol in otherwise restricted areas. Currently, alcohol is banned in government and state-controlled venues, but exemptions are permitted for traditional events once officially sanctioned.
Feedback is being sought from a wide array of stakeholders, including law enforcement, policymakers, academics, and civil society groups. The regulation's objective is to ensure that events like wedding receptions could officially be recognized as traditional banquets, thereby enabling the serving of alcohol at locations that typically observe prohibitions. Diplomatic events are also under consideration, acknowledging their cultural and international significance.
The DDC is also working on draft regulations to enhance support for individuals affected by alcohol dependency. These regulations involve collaboration between the Alcohol Control Committee and public health entities to provide medical and mental health assessments, ensure treatment eligibility, and track rehabilitation results. Data maintenance and reporting to oversight committees would be part of this initiative, reported Bangkok Post.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 09 Mar 2026