File photo for reference only

 

From 8 November, patrons drinking in pubs after official closing hours will face fines of up to 10,000 Thai baht. This enforcement is part of new amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, announced by the Department of Provincial Administration. The changes target those continuing to consume alcohol in venues after legal hours.

 

The amendment comes amid efforts to strengthen regulations on alcohol consumption. Currently, the law prohibits the sale of alcohol from midnight to 11 am and from 2 pm to 5 pm. The fines, effective from 8 November, are expected to drive compliance, affecting the nightlife culture significantly.

 

Experts suggest these penalties could impact Thailand's nightlife businesses, leading to potential revenue drops as patrons adjust. While bar owners and patrons express concerns, some see potential benefits like improved public safety. The implementation of fines and the public's response will determine the success of this initiative.

 

Looking ahead, businesses may need to adapt by altering hours or strategies to remain in compliance. The focus will be on how effectively the law is enforced and its real impact on local nightlife.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• New fines for after-hours drinking start on 8 November.
• Consumption restricted during specified hours in venues.
• Uncertainty looms over impacts on nightlife businesses.

 

Related Story:

 

Afternoon Alcohol Sales Ban Still in Force

Thailand Tightens Alcohol Sales: New Rules Take Effect

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-18

 

 

 

Down the road I see end of month enforcement (collection), against foreigners only. 

4 hours ago, Peter Crow said:

Down the road I see end of month enforcement (collection), against foreigners only. 

 

Not so sure about that. Patrons of venues, will certainly, be more careful. In Bangkok there is a whole other nightlife, with only Thais concerned.

Party time till midnight?? Another reason to give Thailand a wide berth!

 

Vietnam as an alternative looks better every day...

7 minutes ago, indieke said:

 

Not so sure about that. Patrons of venues, will certainly, be more careful. In Bangkok there is a whole other nightlife, with only Thais concerned.

 Correctio:  In Bangkok there is a whole other very big nightlife, with only Thais concerned.

10 minutes ago, indieke said:

 

Not so sure about that. Patrons of venues, will certainly, be more careful. In Bangkok there is a whole other nightlife, with only Thais concerned.

 

Stayed in Pattaya two years ago. Every other bar in some areas going strong till dawn, while doors were just shut, but lights and music still on...

How messed up is this? 

If they did their job and policed the venues, there would not be anywhere for folks to drink after hours. 

I don't really believe this will happen, but it's already all over social media, had some friends coming over in December, they are already talking about cancelling 

And they wonder why tourism is suffering?!?

Welcome to Thailand.

Now put your wallet in the drop box after baggage reclaim. 

Now board your return flight home.

Thank you, very big.

Have a nice day.

Come again. 

Does this include pubs owned by government officials?

One of MANY reasons that I no longer drink in bars. Buy it at 7-11 and take it home. Cheaper and no surveillance.

1 minute ago, KwaiSabai said:

One of MANY reasons that I no longer drink in bars. Buy it at 7-11 and take it home. Cheaper and no surveillance.

 

 

Tends to spoil social intercourse

6 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

I

 

Tends to spoil social intercourse

I have a live-in girlfriend. No problems with “intercourse”.  At 75 it doesn’t matter that much.

If, as the OP says, sale of alcohol is banned from midnight to 11am, how come they passed a law allowing pubs/clubs/bars to stay open until 3 or 4 a few months ago? 

Again a law/rule that is unclear... It makes corruption possible. Up to 10k fine..so bribes are cheaper and possible. Why not announce 10k fine and it is clear for everyone

6 hours ago, webfact said:

patrons drinking in pubs after official closing hours will face fines of up to 10,000 Thai baht.

 

and the bar owners ?

does this include lock in's on buddhist alcohol free days ?

1 hour ago, NE1 said:

 

and the bar owners ?

 

No,  the police will be fine. 

#1 So, will 'entertainment venues' be closed at midnight, or do they have official special dispensation?

 

#2 Will the brown envelopes be reflected in the price of drinks?

 

Asking for a friend 😉

The ban is on the SALE of booze, so why could you not give say Bht 1000 in advance before midnight , and get change at 3am.

Same on Buddah days, although that should only apply to those following the big B anyway. What is the current fine for such criminal activity, and what is the significance of 8th November? TIT.

Are there any time restrictions on buying Cannabis?

2 hours ago, KannikaP said:

If, as the OP says, sale of alcohol is banned from midnight to 11am, how come they passed a law allowing pubs/clubs/bars to stay open until 3 or 4 a few months ago? 

The OP never said it, the Bangkok Post did

It is and remains a backward country and is starting to resemble a Muslim country more and more.

4 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

It is and remains a backward country and is starting to resemble a Muslim country more and more.

It's interesting that Thailand, the land of the free, has far more alcohol regulations and restrictions than Muslim Malaysia and Communist Laos & Vietnam. 

1 hour ago, Seppius said:

The OP never said it, the Bangkok Post did

Oh dear Mr Seppius, I got mixed up. 

Why not answer my question?

9 hours ago, Peter Crow said:

Down the road I see end of month enforcement (collection), against foreigners only. 

nothing about down the road.. this is the perfect chance for the cops in tourist cities to rake up the money quickly.. One bar a night. since no tourist will know that they must stop drinking what is on their tables at a certain time. This new amendment will surely destroy any nightlife should the police actually cash in on it and social media exposing it. 

It is not the patrons fault if the bars continue to stay open and allow the patrons to sit inside still. Of course they would want to finish their drink on their table. 

 

The only way to ensure the tourist is not affected will be to make sure all partons are thrown out of the premises prior to the time they must finish their drinks.

9 hours ago, Peter Crow said:

Down the road I see end of month enforcement (collection), against foreigners only. 

 

I see people simply dropping their beers to the ground whenever they think they see a policeman entering a club. This will be a lot of broken glass to be cleaned up.

5 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Party time till midnight?? Another reason to give Thailand a wide berth!

Where in the OP was it reported that midnight is latest for drinking?

I wonder whether tourists actually know the closing time of pubs when they see people still drinking at 3am?

Another Thai brain fart, they should allow alcohol sales all day but make midnight shut down time. If these morons ever got off their bums they would realise that the majority of crimes are committed between 2 am -3 am in the morning. If they were to give it a try for 3 months the results would be staggering.