Outdated 2-5pm Alcohol Ban Faces Renewed Criticism in Thailand

[webfact]

File photo for reference only.

 

Thailand's longstanding prohibition on alcohol sales from 2pm to 5pm is under scrutiny, as key industry figures call for its repeal, labelling it as a relic of the past that stymies both tourist satisfaction and business potential.

 

The call for change comes amidst ongoing legislative processes, with a draft amendment to the alcohol control law nearing its decisive readings in the House of Representatives. This amendment, vetted and approved by a special committee, aims to modernise aspects of the existing law.

 

Introduced in 1972, the ban aimed to prevent civil servants from indulging in alcohol during work hours, according to Kawee Sakawee, chairman of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (Tabba). He argues that it’s time to reassess and update a regulation that has persisted for over five decades.

 

"Thai people might navigate this restriction easily, but international visitors often find it inconvenient, impacting their leisure time in Thailand," Mr Kawee noted.

 

The alcohol industry is a substantial economic contributor, generating approximately 600 billion baht annually and channelling about 150 billion baht in revenue to the government. Despite concerns that lifting the ban could exacerbate issues like drink-driving, Mr Kawee advocates for robust law enforcement to promote responsible alcohol consumption.

The criticism of the ban is echoed by Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association. The regulation frequently draws complaints from hotel guests, affecting their dining experiences.

 

"The government's tourism initiatives are commendable, but outdated regulations such as the 2-5pm alcohol sales ban are no longer suitable for today's social context and should be abolished," Thienprasit asserted.

 

A recent study highlights that European tourists in Asia typically allocate about $250 (approximately 8,475 baht) per day for food and beverages. Relaxing the alcohol sales ban could potentially enhance Thailand's attractiveness as a destination, capturing more of these tourist funds.

 

Praphawi Hemathat, secretary-general of the Craft Beer Trade Association (Thailand), added, "Removing this restriction not only benefits hotels and large restaurants but also the numerous small eateries and bars across the country."

 

The movement to abolish the ban underscores a desire to harmonise Thailand's regulatory framework with contemporary tourism and business practices, enhancing overall economic benefits and visitor satisfaction. As the amendment progresses through the legislative pipeline, stakeholders await with anticipation the potential shifts in policy that could redefine Thailand's hospitality landscape, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-11

 

 

[Ben Zioner]

8 minutes ago, webfact said:

Introduced in 1972, the ban aimed to prevent civil servants from indulging in alcohol during work hours, according to Kawee Sakawee, chairman of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (Tabba). He argues that it’s time to reassess and update a regulation that has persisted for over five decades.

Nothing has changed since 1972... 

[hotandsticky]

3 minutes ago, Ben Zioner said:

Nothing has changed since 1972... 

 

 

It most certainly has.

[bkk6060]

Interesting,  I have never eaten in a restaurant or been to a hotel where I could not buy a drink between these hours.  

[PomPolo]

Although it doesn't really bother me just sort of get used to it and haven't turned to fully blown alcoholism just yet and if I really needed a drink between these hours would just send the misses to a mom and pop shop around the corner from our 7/11.

It is an archaic law in any case though and reckon some of the civil servant are still on the pop anyways judging by some of the policies they come out with!

[ikke1959]

In Thailand there are many outdated laws,  and this is one of them.. So called to protect kids from consuming alcohol, but what is the effect of it?? Normally students are in school but after 11.00 to 1400 they have a lunchbreak, but than alcohol is available to buy. Reason is easy... There are many parties with lunches and monks for weddings etc and than people must be able to drink, and after 17.00 the students go home and can buy if they want as there is no restriction anymore... So still my question what is the use of this stupid law, that only affects tourist and adults. And drunk driving starts often already after the party at 11.00 as they can drink. Solve it easily. Don't sell alcohol  to people younger than 21 and by doubt ask for a id card... All problems solved., as those who living in Thailand and want to drink will get their alcohol anyway, but complaining that tourists stay away is normal with this kind of law.. Going to Spain ], Greece, or wherever and it 15.00 everybody can buy a beer, as here in the heat of Thailand it is not possible and not everybody is alcohol addicted

[proton]

2 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

In Thailand there are many outdated laws,  and this is one of them.. So called to protect kids from consuming alcohol, but what is the effect of it?? Normally students are in school but after 11.00 to 1400 they have a lunchbreak, but than alcohol is available to buy. Reason is easy... There are many parties with lunches and monks for weddings etc and than people must be able to drink, and after 17.00 the students go home and can buy if they want as there is no restriction anymore... So still my question what is the use of this stupid law, that only affects tourist and adults. And drunk driving starts often already after the party at 11.00 as they can drink. Solve it easily. Don't sell alcohol  to people younger than 21 and by doubt ask for a id card... All problems solved., as those who living in Thailand and want to drink will get their alcohol anyway, but complaining that tourists stay away is normal with this kind of law.. Going to Spain ], Greece, or wherever and it 15.00 everybody can buy a beer, as here in the heat of Thailand it is not possible and not everybody is alcohol addicted

 

The kids excuse is nonsense, it's illegal to sell to them anyway, yet they also have this crazy rule a shop with 300 meters  of a school cannot even stock booze.

[Bert got kinky]

4 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

In Thailand there are many outdated laws,  and this is one of them.. So called to protect kids from consuming alcohol, but what is the effect of it?? Normally students are in school but after 11.00 to 1400 they have a lunchbreak, but than alcohol is available to buy. Reason is easy... There are many parties with lunches and monks for weddings etc and than people must be able to drink, and after 17.00 the students go home and can buy if they want as there is no restriction anymore... So still my question what is the use of this stupid law, that only affects tourist and adults. And drunk driving starts often already after the party at 11.00 as they can drink. Solve it easily. Don't sell alcohol  to people younger than 21 and by doubt ask for a id card... All problems solved., as those who living in Thailand and want to drink will get their alcohol anyway, but complaining that tourists stay away is normal with this kind of law.. Going to Spain ], Greece, or wherever and it 15.00 everybody can buy a beer, as here in the heat of Thailand it is not possible and not everybody is alcohol addicted

 

So called to protect kids from consuming alcohol

 

Did you even read the article?

Introduced in 1972, the ban aimed to prevent civil servants from indulging in alcohol during work hours

 

 

 

[hotandsticky]

4 minutes ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

So called to protect kids from consuming alcohol

 

Did you even read the article?

Introduced in 1972, the ban aimed to prevent civil servants from indulging in alcohol during work hours

 

 

 

 

 

To be fair, there is an alcohol issue regarding school kids/schools - but not related to this law. That one prevents alcohol sales within 300 metres of universities and vocational colleges,

 

 

On this subject why can't gas stations sell alcohol? If the authorities believe that will prevent some drivers drinking then they are as out of touch as we think they are. Sledgehammer approach that prevents passengers buying booze and does not achieve the prevention of drink driving.

[Patong2021]

Pain the backside law. When I am shopping for my groceries, it is idiotic that I cannot purchase a bottle of wine at 3 pm.  If there is a concern that young people are drinking, then  age check them when they purchase.

[JRG23]

Ermmm, the legal basis was introduced in 1972 but it was completely ignored by everyone until Thaksin's first term as PM.

[newbee2022]

It's a shame not to know where to enjoy booze for a couple of hours, isn't it? 🤣🤣🤣

[carlf]

 

"A recent study highlights that European tourists in Asia typically allocate about $250 (approximately 8,475 baht) per day for food and beverages." 

 

Wow! Maybe my friends and I have an unusual lifestyle in Bangkok, but I'm sure that we never spend 8475 THB per day, per person for food and drinks. If they're basing decisions on this number, I fear they will be disappointed by the reality. 

[Hummin]

4 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Interesting,  I have never eaten in a restaurant or been to a hotel where I could not buy a drink between these hours.  

It happens more and more lately I have experienced no serving of alchohol during those times. 

 

And the two biggest hotels and shopping malls in Korat, have no alchohol at all for sale. 

 

Centara and Centre Point Terminal 21. 

 

 

[Nick Carter icp]

23 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

It's a shame not to know where to enjoy booze for a couple of hours, isn't it? 🤣🤣🤣

   

   Its hardly going all the way to a Mom & Pop shop in Isaan, just to buy a beer at 3 PM 

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Introduced in 1972, the ban aimed to prevent civil servants from indulging in alcohol during work hours, according to Kawee Sakawee, chairman of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (Tabba). He argues that it’s time to reassess and update a regulation that has persisted for over five decades.

About how far Thailand is from the outside world.

[ikke1959]

2 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Pain the backside law. When I am shopping for my groceries, it is idiotic that I cannot purchase a bottle of wine at 3 pm.  If there is a concern that young people are drinking, then  age check them when they purchase.

Even impossible at Makro that is in fact a wholesale shop for other shops... But common sense is in Thailand not available

[ikke1959]

2 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

So called to protect kids from consuming alcohol

 

Did you even read the article?

Introduced in 1972, the ban aimed to prevent civil servants from indulging in alcohol during work hours

 

 

 

Drinking during working hours is in all countries forbidden and if they do so they will be fired.. Normal behavior if you are working but in Thailand there is a lack of common sense and although they pretend to be a free country, everything is limited

[Redacce]

4 hours ago, Ben Zioner said:

Nothing has changed since 1972... 

Well, at least st and lt prices have changed for sure, lol.

[spidermike007]

It appears to accomplish absolutely nothing, and is likely just a result of some rather bizarre illusions that emanated from fake Puritan minds.

 

Is it supposed to encourage people to work harder ? One can buy alcohol in the morning if one is planning on drinking in the afternoon after all, but simple minds I guess cannot grasp that concept, I suppose. 

[Katatonica]

41 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

It's a shame not to know where to enjoy booze for a couple of hours, isn't it? 🤣🤣🤣

Anyone normally can, I had no idea bars couldn't sell alcohol between 2 and 5pm as all bars I'e ever been to in Phuket, Bangkok, etc do sell it. The problem is that supermarkets and 7-11s do not. So if you happen to be doing your weekly shop and want a few beers or a bottle of wine and forget about the rather irrational regulation it's really annoying, you have to make anther trip later on. Same if you get invited to a friend's place for an afternoon pool party and can't arrive with a bottle. Just inconvenient and actually exacerbates alcoholism if anything as people end up keeping more in their fridge than one would normally..  Plus at the airports - 2-5pm you can't grab a can from the 7-11 at 35-60 baht or whatever, but you can still buy from the restaurants and takeaways at 250 baht.. ludicrous.

[Ralf001]

32 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Drinking during working hours is in all countries forbidden and if they do so they will be fired..

 

Forbidden by who. the individual company or the government?

[Peterphuket]

4 hours ago, PomPolo said:

Although it doesn't really bother me just sort of get used to it and haven't turned to fully blown alcoholism just yet and if I really needed a drink between these hours would just send the misses to a mom and pop shop around the corner from our 7/11.

It is an archaic law in any case though and reckon some of the civil servant are still on the pop anyways judging by some of the policies they come out with!

It has nothing to do with whether you want to drink it at the time, it's about buying it, I myself live 45 km away from Huahin and always have to take into account what time I can go shopping.

[phil2407]

In Chiang Mai between those hours & banned days we used to get beer in a teapot & mug to drink from 

nature always finds a way! 😬

[newbee2022]

12 minutes ago, Katatonica said:

Anyone normally can, I had no idea bars couldn't sell alcohol between 2 and 5pm as all bars I'e ever been to in Phuket, Bangkok, etc do sell it. The problem is that supermarkets and 7-11s do not. So if you happen to be doing your weekly shop and want a few beers or a bottle of wine and forget about the rather irrational regulation it's really annoying, you have to make anther trip later on. Same if you get invited to a friend's place for an afternoon pool party and can't arrive with a bottle. Just inconvenient and actually exacerbates alcoholism if anything as people end up keeping more in their fridge than one would normally..  Plus at the airports - 2-5pm you can't grab a can from the 7-11 at 35-60 baht or whatever, but you can still buy from the restaurants and takeaways at 250 baht.. ludicrous.

You're lucky. Booze available for you the whole day. 🤗

[Katatonica]

34 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Drinking during working hours is in all countries forbidden and if they do so they will be fired.. Normal behavior if you are working but in Thailand there is a lack of common sense and although they pretend to be a free country, everything is limited

Don't think so. Maybe it's a bit frowned on very recently but we used to have a pub lunch quite often in the UK. Business lunches on expenses could get pretty boozy for senior executives down. 

 

[Peterphuket]

26 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

It appears to accomplish absolutely nothing, and is likely just a result of some rather bizarre illusions that emanated from fake Puritan minds.

 

Is it supposed to encourage people to work harder ? One can buy alcohol in the morning if one is planning on drinking in the afternoon after all, but simple minds I guess cannot grasp that concept, I suppose. 

And if you think about it, lao kao you can get at the mum and pop shop, and juis diet are open from 'morning till late at night.

[thecyclist]

The ban might have been introduced in 1972, but it either wasn't passed or not enforced until the first Thaksin administration, when minister Purachai, the pure moralist, put it on the books. 

In the eighties and nineties you could drink around the clock. Buddhist holidays and election days excepted. 

[kingstonkid]

3 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Pain the backside law. When I am shopping for my groceries, it is idiotic that I cannot purchase a bottle of wine at 3 pm.  If there is a concern that young people are drinking, then  age check them when they purchase.

That part of the law I will agree with it makes no sense.  But then again if you are in a tourist area there is not ban or time you can not buy.

 

I wonder what would change in Pattaya and pat pong if they changed the rules as NANA and Cowboy are in fulll sale mode.

 

Would that mean that walking street bars would be open at 2 pm with girls looking for quick time LOL

[impulse]

I wonder how many lives have been saved with commuters unable to buy alcohol before the drive home. 

 

It's still a silly rule.