File picture for reference only

 

The Disease Control Department has confirmed that the three-hour daily ban on alcohol sales remains active, following widespread confusion among vendors and customers. Shops across the country are still prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages between 2pm and 5pm. Exceptions apply only to designated venues such as international airports, hotels, and licensed service establishments including bars.

 

The clarification came after social media claims spread earlier this week that the restriction had been lifted. These reports followed the scrapping of the Revolutionary Council’s 1972 directive, Order No.253, on Wednesday. That order had previously banned alcohol sales during the same afternoon hours, leading many to believe the measure had been permanently revoked.

 

Suthas Chottanapan, director-general of the Disease Control Department, explained that the revocation was a procedural move. He stated that the provisions are already included in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which continues to enforce the 2pm to 5pm sales ban. The act was published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday and is scheduled to take effect in early November, according to state broadcaster NBT.

 

The misunderstanding generated significant discussion among shop owners and drinkers, many of whom welcomed what they thought was the end of the restriction. People’s Party MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, known for campaigning against Thailand’s alcohol industry monopoly, warned that vendors should not risk prosecution due to the confusion. He stressed on Facebook that he wanted to ensure shopkeepers avoided legal trouble.

 

Under current law, anyone found violating the alcohol sales ban faces severe penalties. Offenders could be sentenced to up to one year in prison, fined up to 100,000 baht, or both. Authorities have reiterated that enforcement will remain strict, regardless of the recent legal changes that created uncertainty.

 

Looking ahead, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act will formalise the continuation of the ban when it comes into effect in November. Until then, the Disease Control Department is urging vendors and the public to comply with the existing regulations. The clarification highlights the government’s intent to maintain restrictions on alcohol sales during specified hours, despite public debate over the policy.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand’s 2pm to 5pm alcohol sales ban remains in force despite confusion over legal changes.

• The restriction is upheld by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, due to take effect in November.

• Violators face penalties of up to one year in prison, a 100,000 baht fine, or both.

 

Related stories:

 

Thailands-afternoon-booze-ban-lifted-restaurants-rejoice

 

Lifting-alcohol-restrictions-could-boost-thai-economy-by-billions

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-13

 

 

 

 

 

A crazy restriction. Makes no sense.

That did cause a lot of confusion, and still stupid law

Is alcohol now classified as a disease? I don't drink but that sounds a bit radical.

Thai  Flip Flop decisions  

3 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

Thai  Flip Flop decisions  

 

There is no flip flop. The 3 hour ban removal was only for restaurants, not shops

2 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

There is no flip flop. The 3 hour ban removal was only for restaurants, not shops

well you have not been here long   All thai decisions are flop flop 

lol Thailand still a baby. I’ll take that though over it being a proper ‘free’ state like our boring, contrived countries. Everyone knows the law is for face and a drink can be bought and drunk at practically any time. 

Not a big issue.I just make sure my fridge is filled up at any time.But i see some tourists who shaking their heads about this law.

So is a restaurant a licensed service establishment?

in 25+ years I dont recall ever being refused a beer in a restaurant in the afternoon!

No confusion here, nothing has changed 

On 9/13/2025 at 2:28 PM, banyanman said:

A crazy restriction. Makes no sense.

Thailand doesn't do sense.

On 9/13/2025 at 2:28 PM, banyanman said:

A crazy restriction. Makes no sense.

Just like those who  thought of the restriction

Can not come out of the dark ages too fast. Step by step.

So, um, nothing has changed? Or maybe a little changed, just for a select few more upmarket establishments?

 

And all on the principle that the more nothing changes, the bigger the announcement.

On 9/13/2025 at 2:34 PM, Photoguy21 said:

Is alcohol now classified as a disease? I don't drink but that sounds a bit radical.

Addiction, including alcohol addiction, is classified as a disease.

The off licence on my road is open seven days a week from 4am to 10pm. Never stops selling all day every day. 

On 9/13/2025 at 7:52 PM, CallumWK said:

 

There is no flip flop. The 3 hour ban removal was only for restaurants, not shops

What is a restaurant, if not a shop??!! 

On 9/14/2025 at 8:12 AM, DrPhibes said:

So is a restaurant a licensed service establishment?

If they have bought a licence from the correct Authority

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Thailand doesn't do sense.

Especially if its common!

A flame, and a post advocating illegal activity, were removed. 

On 9/14/2025 at 2:32 AM, daveAustin said:

lol Thailand still a baby. I’ll take that though over it being a proper ‘free’ state like our boring, contrived countries. Everyone knows the law is for face and a drink can be bought and drunk at practically any time. 

Quite.

I grew up in post war UK where the pubs only opened from 12.00-15.00 and 17.00 till 21.00, closed on Sundays. In the evenings the curtains were always closed, a bit disconcerting coming out into the bright sunlight. 

Not all nations evolve in the same way and if it is all bad, why stay.

On 9/14/2025 at 1:26 AM, norsurin said:

ot a big issue.I just make sure my fridge is filled up at any time.

 

A very big fridge??

As if anyone would care and follow the script ........ 

31 minutes ago, Surasak said:

What is a restaurant, if not a shop??!! 

 

I will make it easy for you, as it seems you struggle with comprehension.

 

Restaurant

 

Shop

 

5 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

I will make it easy for you, as it seems you struggle with comprehension.

 

Restaurant

 

Shop

 

Then let me make it much easier for you.  In a restaurant, one consumes the goods before leaving. In a shop, one removes the item purchased, in a bag and then leaves. They are both premises which provide a commodity, which have to be paid for. Hence SHOP!

On 9/13/2025 at 3:18 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

File picture for reference only

 

The Disease Control Department has confirmed that the three-hour daily ban on alcohol sales remains active, following widespread confusion among vendors and customers. Shops across the country are still prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages between 2pm and 5pm. Exceptions apply only to designated venues such as international airports, hotels, and licensed service establishments including bars.

 

The clarification came after social media claims spread earlier this week that the restriction had been lifted. These reports followed the scrapping of the Revolutionary Council’s 1972 directive, Order No.253, on Wednesday. That order had previously banned alcohol sales during the same afternoon hours, leading many to believe the measure had been permanently revoked.

 

Suthas Chottanapan, director-general of the Disease Control Department, explained that the revocation was a procedural move. He stated that the provisions are already included in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which continues to enforce the 2pm to 5pm sales ban. The act was published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday and is scheduled to take effect in early November, according to state broadcaster NBT.

 

The misunderstanding generated significant discussion among shop owners and drinkers, many of whom welcomed what they thought was the end of the restriction. People’s Party MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, known for campaigning against Thailand’s alcohol industry monopoly, warned that vendors should not risk prosecution due to the confusion. He stressed on Facebook that he wanted to ensure shopkeepers avoided legal trouble.

 

Under current law, anyone found violating the alcohol sales ban faces severe penalties. Offenders could be sentenced to up to one year in prison, fined up to 100,000 baht, or both. Authorities have reiterated that enforcement will remain strict, regardless of the recent legal changes that created uncertainty.

 

Looking ahead, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act will formalise the continuation of the ban when it comes into effect in November. Until then, the Disease Control Department is urging vendors and the public to comply with the existing regulations. The clarification highlights the government’s intent to maintain restrictions on alcohol sales during specified hours, despite public debate over the policy.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand’s 2pm to 5pm alcohol sales ban remains in force despite confusion over legal changes.

• The restriction is upheld by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, due to take effect in November.

• Violators face penalties of up to one year in prison, a 100,000 baht fine, or both.

 

Related stories:

 

Thailands-afternoon-booze-ban-lifted-restaurants-rejoice

 

Lifting-alcohol-restrictions-could-boost-thai-economy-by-billions

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-13

 

 

 

 

 

Sad part is that they actually think they are doing something good.

The only reason I've heard for cessation of sales between 2pm and 5pm is to 'protect (prevent) schoolchildren from buying alcohol'. There may be other 'reasons' of which I'm unaware. 

If that is the true reason I'm confused why asking for production of a National ID card (bearing date of birth) combined with possible wearing of school uniform would not suffice. 

1 hour ago, kevden said:

The only reason I've heard for cessation of sales between 2pm and 5pm is to 'protect (prevent) schoolchildren from buying alcohol'. There may be other 'reasons' of which I'm unaware. 

If that is the true reason I'm confused why asking for production of a National ID card (bearing date of birth) combined with possible wearing of school uniform would not suffice. 

It was actually enacted to prevent civil servants from getting too pissed during lunch.

 

The law specific to educational institutes states that no alcohol is allowed to be sold within 300m of a school/university - also a stupid law: look at a map of downtown Bangkok, find a school and then draw a 300m radius - if they actually upheld this law, you wouldn't be able to buy booze anywhere in Bangkok 🤣