October 24, 2025Oct 24 Popular Post File photo for reference only Anti-alcohol groups and victims of drunk driving plan to rally at Government House on Friday. They aim to persuade Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul not to extend bar operating hours to 4am or lift the afternoon alcohol sales ban outside tourism zones. The opposition follows reports suggesting changes to current regulations, potentially increasing state revenue by 500 billion baht. Currently, venues in select tourism areas such as Phuket and Chon Buri can operate until 4am, while others close by 2am. An existing ban also prohibits alcohol sales in shops from 2pm to 5pm. The proposed adjustments are seen as efforts to drive economic growth through increased excise taxes. Campaigners like Chuwit Chantaros, representing anti-alcohol NGOs, have voiced skepticism about the government's intentions. He suspects information may have been exaggerated by entertainment operators aiming to sway public opinion. Citing health concerns, he urges the government to evaluate if economic gains outweigh risks such as road accidents and violence linked to alcohol consumption. Opponents are pushing for tighter control over entertainment venues rather than deregulation. Thira Watcharapranee from the Stop Drink Network Thailand stresses enhanced regulation and penalties for non-compliance, especially with more than 200,000 entertainment venues currently operating. With the new Alcohol Control Act set to become effective on November 8, clarity from the government is urged to facilitate proper implementation. The debate continues as anti-alcohol activists demand concrete studies on the impacts of existing extended-hour zones. While economic benefits are highlighted, the potential public health implications cannot be ignored. The rally aims to ensure that policies prioritize community safety and well-being. The Thai government will need to weigh the financial incentives against social responsibilities carefully. Ongoing discussions and protests indicate a complex path ahead for policy makers in deciding the future of alcohol regulations in Thailand. Key Takeaways Rally planned to oppose changes to alcohol sale regulations. Activists doubt the widespread economic benefit claims. Calls for stricter regulation and enforcement of existing laws. Related Stories Anutin Plans to Scrap Alcohol Zoning, Extend Hours to 4AM Thailand set to loosen alcohol laws and extend nightlife hours Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-10-24
October 24, 2025Oct 24 It's what I mentioned this morning: how much water must flow down the Chao Phraya River before this revision of the law is passed?
October 24, 2025Oct 24 The the people buy alcohol during daytime, than the bars can be closed at 2 am... Normal times... Tourists don't come to Thailand because the bars are open till 4 am. Besides that how about the people who work in the bars.. They must be paid, and work much longer.. but for the same money? and how about the drugs and accidents?? Is nobody ever do any investigation before making a decision?? and the people around a bar are not happy too as it will disturb their sleep every day, which has an influence on their work as they are less concentrated.. Maybe open bars near the houses of the Politicians and their families who want to open the bars till 4 am
October 24, 2025Oct 24 Maybe there's some validity to the 4 am closing but this doesn't extend to the 2-5 pm hours. It also doesn't extend to the 11:00 am start of sales where an 8 or 9 o'clock start would be more sensible.
October 24, 2025Oct 24 6 hours ago, ikke1959 said: Maybe open bars near the houses of the Politicians and their families who want to open the bars till 4 am There's a thought.
October 25, 2025Oct 25 In tourist areas.. It does not take much searching to find bars open past the 2 am.. also, the rule to buy alcohol after 2 does not apply to most places that serve drinks. It only applies to 7 or Lotus or places siimilar.
October 25, 2025Oct 25 Now we can get hammered twice a day at the bars. Doesn't get much better than that.
October 25, 2025Oct 25 Popular Post Well all the teetotallers and the dogooder groups should be ignored on this. It does not apply to them and they can do what they want with their staid lifestyle. It is basic economics and common sense for a country that relies on tourism to keep with the times. Not too bothered about the 4am extension, but the afternoon buying hours is long overdue in being addressed. Not being able to purchase a bottle of wine at 4pm from a supermarket whilst doing the shopping is absolutely ridiculous.
October 25, 2025Oct 25 11 hours ago, ikke1959 said: The the people buy alcohol during daytime, than the bars can be closed at 2 am... Normal times... Tourists don't come to Thailand because the bars are open till 4 am. Besides that how about the people who work in the bars.. They must be paid, and work much longer.. but for the same money? and how about the drugs and accidents?? Is nobody ever do any investigation before making a decision?? and the people around a bar are not happy too as it will disturb their sleep every day, which has an influence on their work as they are less concentrated.. Maybe open bars near the houses of the Politicians and their families who want to open the bars till 4 am Gawd 😔😴. Go home dude.
October 25, 2025Oct 25 IMO we should be able to buy alcohol from 11am to 2 pm. BUT extending drinking / party hours until 4 am is a ridiculous idea. Just as early risers get up to go to work there'll be pedestrians and drivers wobbly with too much alcohol. And what about the health risks to both revellers and staff? Pathetic idea - hope it doesn't happen . . . .
October 25, 2025Oct 25 1 hour ago, daveAustin said: Gawd 😔😴. Go home dude. Happily i am not afficted and i have a normal life with normal working and sleeping hours.
October 25, 2025Oct 25 19 hours ago, snoop1130 said: The opposition follows reports suggesting changes to current regulations, potentially increasing state revenue by 500 billion baht Doubtful the revenue will achieve anywhere near that, however extending the opening hours is fine... as long as the courts do their bit and fine any offenders of over-consumption.
October 25, 2025Oct 25 Again, we have to deal with this idiotic 4 am push by alcoholics and greedy politicians. The issue comes up about once a year and quickly fades. Here's hoping that happens again. Thailand does not have an effective police force to ensure the peace and quiet in residential neighborhoods. 4 am closure is a recipe for disaster for most residents.
October 25, 2025Oct 25 Popular Post I can see the point of the people living near bars whose sleep will be affected by the 4 a.m. opening times. Personally, I think that 2 a.m. is a more sensible time - if you can't get enough booze down your neck by that time, you're a sad case! However, I am all in favour of scrapping the closed from 2 - 5 law. Archaic, and should have been scrapped years ago. If you read between the lines, it's all about MONEY, and I think the powers that be who can't get enough of it will push for the changes, catering especially to the 60 million tourists annually "expected" by 2035!!! 🙂
October 26, 2025Oct 26 7-11 stores are open 24 hrs. but I don't spend any more money there than I need to. Is there a rush at 2am for people desperate to buy before closing ? Most bars offer a "menu" which enables them to sell alcohol. otherwise those sad old boys on Soi Bukaeow would be lost during the day. Any tourists actually needing to visit Makro/ Lotus etc to stock up their hotel room will soon realize that they can easily do it and plan ahead by a few hours, as the locals manage to . 500 billion baht's worth, my back passage.
October 26, 2025Oct 26 2am is good enough. But that stupid ban between 2pm to 5pm really needs to go. It's anti-tourist.
October 26, 2025Oct 26 Oh the simpler times. My visit was in 2004. So fun if I happened to arrive from the USA on a late flight into Bangkok and got down to Pattaya around 2 AM. Check into hotel, then to wander down any soi 7 or soi 8. Lights down low, no music playing but still plenty of girls to chat and meet with, have a drink and chill after a 20 hour trip. Could even get down to Walking street and a few places were still open. Such a fun and easy place to visit. I think a few locations should be open all night or very very late. Not every street of course
October 27, 2025Oct 27 20 hours ago, mancub said: Most bars offer a "menu" which enables them to sell alcohol. What if you never attend bars, I never do.
October 27, 2025Oct 27 12 hours ago, watchcat said: What if you never attend bars, I never do. Well, if you were that desperate between 2-5pm, you could. Otherwise avail yourself of the services of a shop. Of course, if you are tea-total, then all of this nonsense is irrelevant 😁
October 27, 2025Oct 27 On 10/25/2025 at 11:51 AM, ikke1959 said: Happily i am not afficted and i have a normal life with normal working and sleeping hours. Nonsense, I come to Thailand twice a year, can't even get a drink when we go out for lunch
October 27, 2025Oct 27 I’ll admit I’m older now but can’t really see a big necessity or benefit for widespread 4am closing. Remove the daytime black out period and dare I mention the often inconvenient Buddhist Holiday and election weekend alcohol bans also…before anyone says go to my local mom&pop, I do , but I think back to a big conference I attended in BKK a few years ago over a alcohol black out holiday. International visitors were very frustrated at not being able to go out and have a drink/explore the nightlife.
October 28, 2025Oct 28 On 10/24/2025 at 10:23 PM, dinsdale said: Maybe there's some validity to the 4 am closing but this doesn't extend to the 2-5 pm hours. It also doesn't extend to the 11:00 am start of sales where an 8 or 9 o'clock start would be more sensible. Day drinking, wot?
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