Report Thailand Tightens Alcohol Sales: New Rules Take Effect

[Shelf63]

ok

[proton]

5 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

 

Our local one sells out of hours and rings it up later, they even deliver booze out of hours, more should do the same and just ignore this idiotic law.

[lapamita]

15 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Thailand controls everyone everywhere..They decide what is good for you and what you can do or not.. Why not introduce self responsibility in the country?? Alcohol can be bought at the age of 20 yrs and with doubt an id.....Bartenders should stop servicing drunk people as in many countries is be done... and the judges should give real punishment and fines for those who are drunk behind the wheel or motorcycle.... instead of claiming  they are poor so 300 THB is already a lot for them or other excuses

the whole world getting crazy.....

i gone to malaysia payed tax for 1 cartoon zigarettes 140rmb  new law cant bring

i pass boarder to singapore...i take only one open box  just 10 cigareetes, new law PROHIBITED ..only can bring Standarized Cigarettes --SID_-- ( on the box must 90% uggly foto, name and rightside down the ammount of cigarettes in.  my pack was not standarized

fine 10000 sgd

.. and if you go back malaysia again new law  only 3 pice of clothes new ALLOUD 1 SHOE NEEW  and 100 RMB in foodproductss, all other is fined now...555  no shopping more for malaysians in thailand

 

get 3rd waring in computer( 2 i get before but over 5 year ago for smoke under a roof 20cm 555)

 

this is a complete stupid world !!!!!!!, since the neoliberal take over in the west and ^RUINED THE WEST;  from finance to living...oh before 2000 superaesy, since 2010 naja and after covid it all f...up

[newbee2022]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

In a significant update to alcohol regulations, Thailand has announced new sales restrictions starting today, affecting bars, restaurants, and travelers nationwide.

 

According to an official announcement by the Royal Gazette dated June 26, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued new rules on alcohol sales. These changes update the 2015 regulations to better suit current conditions, based on recommendations from the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee.

 

Effective June 27, sales will only be allowed during specific hours: from 11am to 2pm, and from 5pm to midnight. This applies throughout the country, but with the following exceptions:

 

1. Airports: Alcohol sales are permitted in airport buildings servicing international passengers.
2. Service Establishments: Businesses can sell alcohol during their legal operating hours.
3. Hotels: Sales are allowed under the rules set by the Hotel Act.

 

Reasons for the Change

 

These new regulations aim to more effectively manage alcohol consumption while accommodating the needs of key sectors such as tourism and hospitality. By allowing sales in airports and hotels, the policy supports international visitors and business operations.

 

Businesses will need to adjust, particularly local bars and restaurants, which comprise a significant part of Thailand’s vibrant nightlife. The goal is to strike a balance between curbing excessive drinking and supporting the hospitality industry.

 

Impact on Travelers and Businesses

 

Visitors to Thailand should be aware of these time restrictions and exceptions when planning their activities. Businesses, especially those outside of the exception categories, must adapt to the new sales windows.

 

Overall, this move represents a controlled approach to alcohol regulation, aiming for a healthier social environment without hindering tourism and business.

 

Stay informed about these changes to enjoy your Thailand experience smoothly under the new rules.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-27

 

 

Wondering how many alcoholics are starting ranting here and complaining and blame Thailand for everything. A bunch of losers me thinks. I don't mean Thailand of course 

[Sorted2024]

" Tightens?"  Uh!

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a significant update to alcohol regulations, Thailand has announced new sales restrictions starting today, affecting bars, restaurants, and travelers nationwide.

With my local mom-& pop shop only a two minute walk from my home I can buy/top-up anytime I like, service with a smile, even on those no-alcohol days.

[bbbbooboo]

hmm… thank goodness for ma and pa

[Chris49]

Antiquated and ridiculous liquor policies. Time to get with the 21st Century. 

[wensiensheng]

1. Service Establishments: Businesses can sell alcohol during their legal operating hours.”

“Businesses will need to adjust, particularly local bars and restaurants, “

 

aren’t local bars and restaurants “service establishments”? In which case they can sell whenever they are open. Or are their “legal operating  hours” restricted during the day? I mean, I seem to be able to eat at a local restaurant anytime I want during the afternoon. So couldn’t I buy a beer with my meal if I wanted, since it’s a service establishment?

[Clarkey611]

25 minutes ago, lapamita said:

the whole world getting crazy.....

i gone to malaysia payed tax for 1 cartoon zigarettes 140rmb  new law cant bring

i pass boarder to singapore...i take only one open box  just 10 cigareetes, new law PROHIBITED ..only can bring Standarized Cigarettes --SID_-- ( on the box must 90% uggly foto, name and rightside down the ammount of cigarettes in.  my pack was not standarized

fine 10000 sgd

.. and if you go back malaysia again new law  only 3 pice of clothes new ALLOUD 1 SHOE NEEW  and 100 RMB in foodproductss, all other is fined now...555  no shopping more for malaysians in thailand

 

get 3rd waring in computer( 2 i get before but over 5 year ago for smoke under a roof 20cm 555)

 

this is a complete stupid world !!!!!!!, since the neoliberal take over in the west and ^RUINED THE WEST;  from finance to living...oh before 2000 superaesy, since 2010 naja and after covid it all f...up

Can I ask where you went to school?

[kiwikeith]

14 hours ago, GreasyFingers said:

Never thought of it that way. One of my first Government jobs in the city there were always counter lunches at the nearest pub but had to be back by 2pm. The real die-hards snuck down for one at morning and afternoon tea times.

Lunch from 11am to 2pm you would be fissed on the job when you get back to work 

[Jake44]

15 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Wondering how many alcoholics are starting ranting here and complaining and blame Thailand for everything. A bunch of losers me thinks. I don't mean Thailand of course 

 

A true alcoholic will just stock them selves up ahead of time.  These laws just annoy those of us who like to shop in the afternoon.

[har0165]

Land of constantly changing laws.

 

Dont like a current law? Just wait, it'll be changed two weeks from now

[Nickcage49]

Uh. Aren’t stores businesses? Wtf?

[newbee2022]

21 minutes ago, Jake44 said:

 

A true alcoholic will just stock them selves up ahead of time.  These laws just annoy those of us who like to shop in the afternoon.

Can't annoy you because you stock up your shelves all the time, right? Good self management👍

[Jake72]

I understand the intentions, but the rules are not really being enforced, it's just annoying for those who're not alcoholics. In the small moo bahn where I live the locals start drinking around 6am then take a break at lunchtime and get going again in the afternoon to finishing around 8pm. It's not unusual to find a few old guys passed out on the road in the afternoon and at least once a month someone is picked up by an ambulance and taken to the local hospital. One of the heavy drinkers recently had a stroke and ended up partially paralyzed in a wheelchair. 

[AhFarangJa]

16 hours ago, ukrules said:

 

So what exactly changed then?

 

I still can't buy a bottle of Cognac if I go shopping at 3pm? What nonsense

What really makes me laugh is that at 8:30 in the morning I cannot buy a bottle of wine, but if I want to buy 2 x five litre cartons.......no plomlem. I cannot buy one bottle of beer, but I can buy 2 cases. I defy any sane adut to find the logic behind that.

[jwest10]

16 hours ago, johng said:

 

You might be lucky at a hotel , airport  or "beer bar"

but not at Macro,sevell elewel or MK  🤬 

Hearing people and see people vaping and drinking cans of beer in parks and outside department stores and yes this illegal I assume?

[Surasak]

Its the restrictions of buying times for alcohol which is the main cause of the DRUNKS problem. However, the neanderthals are in charge, wearing their uniforms and badges to prove their point. Most third world countries are ruled by thick military of dumb dictators. If any one of them ever acquired the brains of a rocking horse, they would still be stupid. For which of course, there is no cure!

[Grumpy one]

The 2 PM to 5PM ban is to stop alcoholic school kids from having a nip or 2 on the way home from a hard day of learning nothing

[JAG]

16 hours ago, bdenner said:

Idiots, a few months ago they were talking about relaxing the archaric restrictions.

Never buy my beer from 7/11, BigC or the like anyway.

 

Eg. 15:00, Vadamair Russia wonders of a Pattaya beach into a bar, orders a screwdiver = "Cannot, enjoy your Thai holiday experience!"

Nothing new! Goodbye, miss Thaskin Shinawat, hopefully ya last harrah!

If they cannot, or more accurately will not sell him a screwdriver at 1500 why are they open?

 

Inevitably the bar will balance the informal fiscal arrangements on offer with the expected sales, and decide whether it is viable to be open. A review of such arrangements is probably the main purpose of these new regulations.

 

If Vladimir really wants a screwdriver, Home Pro may be a better bet!

[bwanajohn]

I suspect nothing annoys tourists more than sitting down for a nice  late lunch at 2.01 pm and being told sorry you can't have a glass of wine or a cold beer with your meal.

[Jake44]

9 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Can't annoy you because you stock up your shelves all the time, right? Good self management👍

 

Was there any point in this comment except to be mean and insulting?   🙁

[Will B Good]

Went shopping yesterday to a "commercial quantity" outlet near us.......no restrictions on alcohol sales????

 

Bought beer, wine and spirits around 3pm ish.

[Thingamabob]

16 hours ago, redwood1 said:

The 2-5PM  sales ban is almost sacred now ...Its always defended by officials, Yet no one can really explain why it exists...Strange...

I may be wrong but I seem to remember these restrictions were introduced during Thaksin's tenure as PM. 

[Spock]

16 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

They should ban it completely at airports. 

You're the type that would have rejoiced at the new marijuana laws too. You would need to be wealthy to drink to excess at the airport, unless you do as me and buy a can of beer from 7/11 then drink it while charging your phone. Not that I have more than one or two. I prefer to wait for a few freebies on the plane.In any case, in many years of travelling I cannot recall one incident involving an inebriated person.

[jwl53]

So I can buy 6 bottles of beer before 2 pm at my local bar leave it in the fridge and sit and drink it all afternoon, the report does not say bars/restaurants have to close at 2pm but cannot sell after 2pm

[newbee2022]

14 minutes ago, Jake44 said:

 

Was there any point in this comment except to be mean and insulting?   🙁

Can't see any insult. Unless someone is still dazed 

[Older and Wiser]

From sensible proposal to relax hours to buy alcohol in shops to stupid regulations enforcing the same idiotic regulations. As far as foreigners are concerned, problems arise from drinking in bars, as opposed to having a quiet drink at home.

[Olof Karlsson]

Too many abstainers in the thai governement