File photo courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Thailand has officially lifted its ban on selling alcohol in restaurants from 2 PM to 5 PM, a decision set to increase sales by 25%. The restaurant industry is celebrating, with hopes that this move will stimulate both the economy and tourism. Appreciation has been extended to the Thai government for this forward-thinking change, which includes both ruling and opposition parties.

 

Sorathep Rojpojchanarat, the chair of the Restaurant Business Association and honorary advisor to the Thailand Hostel Association, conveyed his gratitude to the government. The decision comes after years of advocacy by the association, which called for an update to the antiquated 1972 law that restricted alcohol sales during these hours. Sorathep noted this change is crucial for a country that ranks as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, enhancing its appeal and aligning legal standards with current international norms.

 

The association has been vocal about concerns that the ban is negatively affecting businesses and pushing tourists to avoid restaurants during the banned hours. Many visitors prefer to enjoy a drink with their meal, and the ban had led to a significant loss of potential business. Restaurants experienced a noticeable lull in activity between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., missing out on revenue as tourists postponed their visits until the evening.

 

Addressing the concerns surrounding youths' exposure to alcohol, Sorathep assured that the regulations apply specifically to restaurants. Existing laws, such as the legal drinking age of 20 and stringent drink-driving laws, continue to protect young people. The focus remains on cultivating a culture of awareness and responsibility, similar to successful campaigns in other areas, like road safety and environmental cleanliness.

 

Lifting this restriction is expected to revitalise the restaurant industry, which is a significant component of Thailand's economy. By allowing alcohol sales throughout the afternoon, restaurants can offer their guests a more welcoming and complete experience, enhancing Thailand's image as a tourist-friendly destination. This move is poised to create a ripple effect, boosting not just the restaurant business but also related industries, thereby contributing to broader economic growth.

 

Tourists visiting Thailand often look for experiences that allow them to relax and enjoy local cuisine paired with drinks. By aligning with these expectations, Thailand strengthens its competitive edge in the global tourism market. The change will help mitigate previous frustrations among foreign visitors and provide a more consistent legislative framework.

 

Moving forward, this decision could set a precedent for further adjustments that align Thai regulations with international standards, promoting a more adaptable and inclusive environment for growth. The government and industry stakeholders are now keenly observing how this shift impacts sales and visitor satisfaction, which might drive additional reforms in other sectors.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Afternoon alcohol ban lifted, anticipating a 25% sales boost.
• Move aligns with modern tourism demands and international standards.
• Existing laws maintain youth protection, focusing on responsible drinking culture.

Related stories:

UPDATE: Alcohol Sales Confusion: Can Restaurants Sell from 2-5 PM?

 

Lifting Alcohol Restrictions Could Boost Thai Economy by Billions

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod Online 2025-09-11

 

 

Happy days are here again......

Good news, but wonder whether this includes retail too?

12 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Good news, but wonder whether this includes retail too?

Have you read the article? It says "strictly restaurants only".

What is the definition of a restaurant? We have coffee shops that have beer as well.

And the villagers rejoiced... ohhh wait, they give no fecks for sales timing !

Big deal. Most bars sell during these hours. This is not a 2-5 or even midnight-11 am lifting of this insane anachronistic law. As for restaurants they were selling in the 2-5 slot until Prayut closed this down.

Why just restaurants ?  what about 7/11  Big C etc

the rubbish about protecting kids is as always just stupid   the law already says you have to be 20 to buy alcohol  just check the ID card if they look a bit young

let everyone else get on with their increasingly miserable,restricted life's FFS !!

I'm not against it, as long as they understand that more people will be on the road driving home from work with a snootful.

 

Safely ensconced in 4 wheels and seatbelts or on the BTS and/or MRT, it probably won't affect me.

 

On an aside, when I moved to from Yankeeland to Texas in the late '70s, I was gobsmacked that they allowed drivers to drive down the road sipping on a beer.  Something about deserving a cold one after a hard day of crushing bulls or whatnot.  Sadly, they banned the practice when more Yankees moved in.   Then I took the oath on 1988, but that's just a coincidence.

 

Strange that the OP article doesn't seem to say just WHO lifted the afternoon alcohol ban on restaurants?

 

Was it a PM Anutin decree?  A decision by some version of the Cabinet?  The Alcohol Control Board???

 

If it was a law, did the Thai Parliament actually ever meet and do anything?

 

Inquiring minds want to know!

 

 

 

27 minutes ago, impulse said:

I'm not against it, as long as they understand that more people will be on the road driving home from work with a snootful.

I think most people stop work at 5 or later, not at 2.

Seems very stupid to think serving booze in that time frame is some great break through that is going to help tourism

"The focus remains on cultivating a culture of awareness and responsibility, similar to successful campaigns in other areas, like road safety and environmental cleanliness."    Huh? Did he say successful?  And this,"Existing laws, such as the legal drinking age of 20 and stringent drink-driving laws, continue to protect young people"   Quite easy to more protect young and all people if the laws on the books were more enforced. Looking at the stats, which haven't changed for a long time, this isn't happening. .

1 hour ago, webfact said:

stringent drink-driving laws

Stringent must mean almost no enforcement al all.

56 minutes ago, impulse said:

I'm not against it, as long as they understand that more people will be on the road driving home from work with a snootful.

 

Safely ensconced in 4 wheels and seatbelts or on the BTS and/or MRT, it probably won't affect me.

 

On an aside, when I moved to from Yankeeland to Texas in the late '70s, I was gobsmacked that they allowed drivers to drive down the road sipping on a beer.  Something about deserving a cold one after a hard day of crushing bulls or whatnot.  Sadly, they banned the practice when more Yankees moved in.   Then I took the oath on 1988, but that's just a coincidence.

 

Back in OZ in the old says no one could sell beer on a Sunday unless you were a traveller (?), so we had to drive 20 miles to have a beer and then drive home with a car full of drunks.

'Afternoon alcohol ban lifted, anticipating a 25% sales boost. '

 

I can not see any rational reason for believing this at all. Anyone?

It is very welcome, though.

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand has officially lifted its ban on selling alcohol in restaurants from 2 PM to 5 PM, a decision set to increase sales by 25%.

 

Only restaurants?? Okay, then. Let's go to restaurants to get drunk at 2 PM... 😆

Ridiculous they did this at all in a major tourist hub...bunch of flip-flop knuckleheads.

 

Nanny state like UK and police state soon like China....gung-ho Thailand long-gone...the reason many moved here to be away from authoritarian states.

 

Its a start....now extend to everywhere

In the past 15 years, the only time I can ever remember being denied a drink in a restaurant was during a Bhudda day once (and even then they just gave me mug instead). I believe the reason less people are in restaurants between 2 and 5 might have something to do with the fact that between 2 - 5 also happens to be between lunch and effing supper (the reasons that people generally tend to go to restaurant)

 

The other issue is, besides the "concern for the youth" the original ban was seemingly put in place to prevent public servants going to and getting pissed AT RESTAURANTS, so they're lifting the ban where it all started, but are keeping it in place for retail outlets, which again, are the only places that actually consistently followed the law 🙄

6 hours ago, webfact said:

2 PM to 5 PM, a decision set to increase sales by 25%.

 

This is like lazy TAT maths: An average restaurant is open from 11:00 - 23:00, 12 hours, but is only allowed to sell alcohol for 9 hours (75%). So now with the other 25% of hours also allowed to sell, sales will go up 25%. 🤔 

 

Let's ignore all the other factors about more customer traffic at night and that even the most customer consume less alcohol during the day (even while on holiday)...

12 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Good news, but wonder whether this includes retail too?

 

Yeah me too, sometimes I like to buy some wine or a bottle of brandy and I have to hold off shopping until 5pm and sometimes I forget about that dumb rule.

11 minutes ago, ukrules said:

 

Yeah me too, sometimes I like to buy some wine or a bottle of brandy and I have to hold off shopping until 5pm and sometimes I forget about that dumb rule.

what stops you from shopping  11am and 2pm?

UPDATE:

 

Alcohol Sales Confusion: Can Restaurants Sell from 2-5 PM?

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

The news buzzing around town suggests that restaurants might be able to sell alcohol between 2 PM and 5 PM. However, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn has clarified on Facebook that this remains a misconception. According to the Alcohol Control Act Amendment 2025, this time slot remains alcohol-free, contrary to what some believed.

 

On 11th September 2025, reports surfaced claiming that the recent amendments to the Alcohol Control Act had lifted restrictions on alcohol sales for restaurants during the previously prohibited hours. This misunderstanding follows the newly implemented Act, aimed at updating regulations to better suit current needs. Relevant authorities expressed gratitude to both current and former governments for considering business owners' perspectives.

 

Taopiphop Limjittrakorn clarified on Facebook that alcohol sales in restaurants between 2 PM and 5 PM remain illegal. Despite the amendment, which abolishes the 1972 revolution order banning sales during these hours, recent governmental announcements have maintained the prohibition. On 23rd June, the latest proclamation by Prime Minister Paetongtarn reaffirmed the ongoing restrictions for restaurants, allowing exceptions only for specific locations.

 

International airports, legally compliant entertainment venues, and licensed hotels are the only locations that can sell alcohol during the restricted hours. The misunderstanding seems to stem from a lack of clarity around these specific exemptions. Limjittrakorn reiterated the importance of adhering to current rules and advised restaurant owners to remain cautious.

 

As the revised Alcohol Control Act takes full effect, the situation may evolve, potentially prompting further deliberation among lawmakers and stakeholders. Authorities continue to monitor the implications of the Act to ensure that it aligns with modern societal norms and business needs.

 

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol sale in restaurants from 2-5 PM remains prohibited.
• Only international airports, entertainment venues, and licensed hotels can sell alcohol during restricted hours.
• The recent amendment has caused some confusion, which authorities aim to clarify.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Rath 2025-09-12

 

 

According to the Alcohol Control Act Amendment 2025, this time slot remains alcohol-free, contrary to what some believed.

 

Have learnt not to believe anything in Thailand    

15 hours ago, johng said:

Why just restaurants ?  what about 7/11  Big C etc

the rubbish about protecting kids is as always just stupid   the law already says you have to be 20 to buy alcohol  just check the ID card if they look a bit young

let everyone else get on with their increasingly miserable,restricted life's FFS !!

always been curious about these laws and people claiming they are to protect the kids.

 

do kids buy their booze between 11am and 2pm/5pm to midnight instead ?

16 hours ago, webfact said:

Sorathep Rojpojchanarat, the chair of the Restaurant Business Association and honorary advisor to the Thailand Hostel Association, conveyed his gratitude to the government.

He must be feeling a bit of a prat now............

Typical Thai flip flop Decisions  

Off topic posts were removed. This thread is about alcohol regulations in Thailand, not the USA or anywhere else.

16 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand has officially lifted its ban on selling alcohol in restaurants from 2 PM to 5 PM, a decision set to increase sales by 25%.

Joke of the year