Expert Calls for Urgent Review of Thailand's Alcohol Policies

[webfact]

File photo

 

In an urgent appeal to policymakers, a leading expert has called for a comprehensive review of Thailand's stringent alcohol regulations, highlighting their socio-economic impact and questionable effectiveness. The debate centres around the country's notorious alcohol curfew and its potential contribution to a thriving underground market.

 

Thailand has long maintained a strict regimen on alcohol sales, prohibiting purchases during the mid-afternoon hours from 2 pm to 5 pm. Ostensibly, these laws aim to curb alcohol consumption and associated social issues. However, Dr. Somchai Suriwong, a renowned public health specialist, has brought these regulations into question, suggesting they may do more harm than good.

 

Dr. Somchai argues that the curfews could inadvertently fuel illegal sales, as many consumers turn to the black market when facing legal purchasing restrictions.

 

This underground market, he claims, is not only difficult to regulate but also deprives the government of significant tax revenue—potential funds that could be redirected towards public health initiatives.

 

According to Dr. Somchai, "Current regulations are not achieving the intended results. Instead, there's an increase in illicit trade and a missed opportunity for public health investment."

The economic impact is not negligible either, with legitimate businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors, facing reduced revenues during curfew hours. Hoteliers and restaurateurs have voiced frustrations, noting that such restrictions not only deter tourists but also dent their bottom line during peak afternoon hours when leisure travellers typically unwind.

 

In a recent proposal to the government committee overseeing alcohol legislation, Dr. Somchai advocated for a shift in policy. He suggests extending permitted sales times in hotels that comply with established safety standards and commit to cooperative measures aimed at combatting drunk-driving incidents.

 

For instance, hotels might be required to provide transport or designate safe drinking zones to qualify for extended licensing.

 

Enabling responsible consumption rather than restricting access could yield better outcomes, argues Dr. Somchai. He proposes using a portion of the additional tax revenue from extended sales times—which could amount to significant sums in Thai Baht—to bolster road safety campaigns and addiction support services.

 

Public opinion remains divided. Some fear that extended hours might exacerbate alcohol-related issues, while others echo Dr. Somchai’s sentiments, appreciating the potential economic and social benefits.

 

This call for a policy overhaul comes against the backdrop of Thailand's evolving strategies in addressing public health challenges whilst seeking to bolster its tourism sector. Whether this will spark a re-evaluation of alcohol laws remains to be seen, yet the debate is likely to persist as stakeholders balance health concerns with economic vitality, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-06

 

 

[proton]

I'm too pissed to read it all 😁

[Felt 35]

17 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thailand's stringent alcohol regulations

 

What is so stringent with the alcohol regulations here⁉️I think its look like people can, and get drunk anytime

Felt

[nakhonandy]

The 2 - 5 rule of no alcohol sales is ridiculous. Longer opening hours don't necessarily mean longer or more drinking!

Also if anyone wants to buy alcohol between 2 and 5 they just ignore supermarkets and the 7/11, pop in a local Thai shop and buy it, no problem. 

[dinsdale]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Thailand has long maintained a strict regimen on alcohol sales, prohibiting purchases during the mid-afternoon hours from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Why is it that every article (bar none?) only ever mentions the 2-5 pm prohibition and never the midnight to 11 am hours. Fact is there are 14 hours of sales prohibition not 3. 

[Tropicalevo]

The only folk that cannot get alcohol because of the ' selling times', are tourists.

Even then, many tourists find a way around it.

Those of us that live here usually have no problems buying alcohol any time, any day.

(Even during the Covid ban.)

Pubs and bars are the big losers.

 

One crazy consequence - friends tried to buy zero alcohol Heineken between 2 - 5pm.

Girl at the till said 'sorry, cannot sell beer.'

[dinsdale]

12 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

The only folk that cannot get alcohol because of the ' selling times', are tourists.

Even then, many tourists find a way around it.

Those of us that live here usually have no problems buying alcohol any time, any day.

(Even during the Covid ban.)

Pubs and bars are the big losers.

 

One crazy consequence - friends tried to buy zero alcohol Heineken between 2 - 5pm.

Girl at the till said 'sorry, cannot sell beer.'

Yes and no. It would be great when going shopping at Big C for example at 9 o'clock on a hot summer's morning to be able to buy alcohol. Remember mom and pop shops don't have the selection available at the supermarkets.

[ikke1959]

Thailand is the hub of controlling people.. The alcohol ban sales and buy hours and on Buffhist holidays so so outdated and have no real effect on the Thai people and is only a problem for the Tourism sector. Living in Thailand we know where to buy a beer but as a tourist you don't know. Best solution is  end this stupid law and make people responsible for themselves.. Between 11 and 14.00 is only possible because the lawmakers were thinking about parties like weddings and ordination of new monks so than it must be possible to serve a alcoholic drink, but it is a joke to pretend to prevent kids from buying alcohol as schools ends at 16.00 but almost all kid are never at home before 17.00 and than alcohol can be bought again.. Fake reasons  Sell alcohol to who it wnat to buy and with a age limit and if the shop doubts ask an id.. all problems solved

[sungod]

13 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

The only folk that cannot get alcohol because of the ' selling times', are tourists.

Even then, many tourists find a way around it.

Those of us that live here usually have no problems buying alcohol any time, any day.

(Even during the Covid ban.)

Pubs and bars are the big losers.

 

One crazy consequence - friends tried to buy zero alcohol Heineken between 2 - 5pm.

Girl at the till said 'sorry, cannot sell beer.'

 

I dont see many tourists buying slabs of beer in supermarkets, most sit in bars and restaurants drinking beer  where this daytime curfew doesn't seem to bother people.

[KireB]

14 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Why is it that every article (bar none?) only ever mentions the 2-5 pm prohibition and never the midnight to 11 am hours. Fact is there are 14 hours of sales prohibition not 3. 

Some of us are even counting the minutes until their next beer. Who wants to drink past midnight anyway?

[Lite Beer]

27 minutes ago, KireB said:

Some of us are even counting the minutes until their next beer. Who wants to drink past midnight anyway?

They might want to buy some at Big C at 10 am while doing the weekly shop.

[Tropicalevo]

46 minutes ago, sungod said:

 

I dont see many tourists buying slabs of beer in supermarkets, most sit in bars and restaurants drinking beer  where this daytime curfew doesn't seem to bother people.

Many of our customers buy slabs/boxes of beer for their stay in the villas.

Some even stop at a 7/11 to buy a box whilst on the way from the airport.

[Sydebolle]

Dr. Somchai Suriwong should know, that some government bodies ban alcohol sales without logic like midnight to 11am, 2pm to 5pm as well as pre- and election days and Buddhist holidays.

All this does not make sense at all; the pre- and election day ban was to avoid that political parties would get the electorate drunk prior to approaching the polling stations? 

Some other government bodies make tidy "tips" as the electorate could not care the least about such laws and hence booze is available everywhere anytime - except the official big supermarkets and the 7/11s etc. The mom-and-pop shops will sell you anything during these blockades. 

Another example of how this country really works 😉 

[Andycoops]

A reasonable opinion but of course it will fall on the deaf ears of the extreme conservative Bhuddists who are anti virtually anything to do with a individual being able to choose, when it suits their agenda.

[newbee2022]

There is obviously a mistake in the header:

NOT "Experts"

BUT "Expats"

😂

[rumeaug]

Ah yeah, right.  So  strict that it makes alcohol in Thailand about as rare to obtain as Truffles, barely available a couple of months a year and foraged in remote places by specially trained pigs. Come on....

[rumeaug]

....And as mentioned in this article. let's not forget the dramatic socio-economic-health impact of sobriety on society  which makes it  utterly outrageous not to have alcohol available 24/7 . Shocking.

[Muhendis]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

Dr. Somchai Suriwong, a renowned public health specialist

His agenda is not quite right is it.

It seems this expert is promoting drinking ad. lib. without concerns for public safety.

Alcohol is a poison yet here we are with a public health specialist promoting its potential increase in consumption.

I could understand if it was one or two of the breweries calling for relaxation of alcohol sales hours but surely not a public health specialist.

By the way. I also enjoy a drink occasionally.

[dinsdale]

2 hours ago, KireB said:

Some of us are even counting the minutes until their next beer. Who wants to drink past midnight anyway?

Ridiculous comment. It's a law that serves no purpose. As for past midnight 10.30 in the morning falls into this period yet buying some beer or a bottle of wine or a bottle of vodka etc. is not possible at the supermarkets at this time and apart from the beer not available in the small shops. 

[outsider]

I'm with this Somchai 🍻

[outsider]

17 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Why is it that every article (bar none?) only ever mentions the 2-5 pm prohibition and never the midnight to 11 am hours. Fact is there are 14 hours of sales prohibition not 3. 

 

Maybe because it's assumed that most people are asleep from midnight onwards and not many people drink in the morning, except tourists maybe, while most people may start drinking during or after lunch, or have an early 'happy hours' hence making the 2-5 ban more obvious? Just guessing.

[hotchilli]

20 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand has long maintained a strict regimen on alcohol sales,

I never noticed

[Grusa]

17 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

The only folk that cannot get alcohol because of the ' selling times', are tourists.

Even then, many tourists find a way around it.

Those of us that live here usually have no problems buying alcohol any time, any day.

(Even during the Covid ban.)

Pubs and bars are the big losers.

 

One crazy consequence - friends tried to buy zero alcohol Heineken between 2 - 5pm.

Girl at the till said 'sorry, cannot sell beer.'

I have in the past tried to buy Tonic at that time. "Sorry, cannot, no alcohol sales allowed, khrap."

[sungod]

3 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Many of our customers buy slabs/boxes of beer for their stay in the villas.

Some even stop at a 7/11 to buy a box whilst on the way from the airport.

You seem to be missing out on a business opportunity if they are buying from outside. Just a thought.

[watchcat]

19 hours ago, nakhonandy said:

Also if anyone wants to buy alcohol between 2 and 5 they just ignore supermarkets and the 7/11, pop in a local Thai shop and buy it, no problem. 

 

Mostly beer and laokhao though.

[Robert_Smith]

ffs thailand,

 

stop talking about it and just get on with it for gods sake!

 

regards,

bob.

[Frankie baby]

Come on, you can get a drink anytime. The real issue is the inconvenience in the 7/elevens & supermarkets where you have to time your shopping in line with the alcohol sales. 

[AhFarangJa]

I remember in the UK, when they wanted to open the pub all day. The bleeding heart brigade said it would lead to mobs of drunks roaming the streets all day. When, as happened, there were less cases. With all day opening people had a more relaxed view towards a drink, no more rushing to the bar at 1.45, ordering three pints and then finishing them before 2.30. I think the same would be true here, people would take their time, probably drink less, because it was there to be had any time. Human nature. Also a win/win for the bars & restaurants, more selling time, more steady income, more employment. 

[10baht]

21 hours ago, webfact said:

In an urgent appeal to policymakers, a leading expert has called for a comprehensive review of Thailand's stringent alcohol regulations, highlighting their socio-economic impact and questionable effectiveness.

Let’s ask AI about this…

Do government’s arbitrary policies prohibiting the purchases of alcohol during certain hours of the day actually solve any relevant real-world problems?

The effectiveness of government policies that restrict alcohol purchases during certain hours can vary depending on the context and implementation. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Reduction in Alcohol-Related Harm: Policies that limit alcohol availability cannot reduce alcohol-related harm, such as accidents, violence, and health issues. By restricting sales during high-risk times (e.g., late at night), governments increase incidents related to excessive drinking because when alcohol become available consumers make up for lost time.  

2. Public Health Benefits: Limiting alcohol sales does not contribute to public health but encourages binge drinking during reduced alcohol sales hours. This can lead to higher rates of alcohol-related diseases and conditions, such as liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and certain cancers3.

3. Behavioral Impact: Restricting alcohol sales can influence drinking behavior. For example, people may be more likely to engage in binge drinking if they cannot purchase alcohol during certain hours.

4. Economic Considerations: While these policies can have negative health outcomes, they may also impact businesses that rely on alcohol sales. Balancing public health benefits with economic impacts is a challenge for policymakers.

5. Cultural and Social Factors: The effectiveness of these policies can also depend on cultural and social factors. In some societies, alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained, and restrictions may face resistance or lead to unintended consequences, such as increased illegal alcohol sales.

Overall, while these policies can address specific issues related to alcohol consumption, their success depends on various factors, including enforcement, public support, and complementary measures such as education and treatment programs.

[Purdey]

It seems that most people are in favor of drinking all day every day. I can understand Buddhists hoping other Buddhists don't drink on Buddhist holidays but that seems like a lost cause after several centuries.

Maybe having a midday break from alcohol sales is weird but just allow supermarket sales to start from 12pm as well as hotels. Who needs a whisky at 9am?