So last month Anutin makes an announcement about proposed alcohol law changes and today this. This just typifies Thailands complete inability to get anything done without going around in circles, for months or years, until either it’s forgotten about or those who object gain something from it. 
I know it’s the Thai way, but isn’t time for some adults in the room involved in politics to actually get things done in the now, rather than appear like idiots in their complete ineptitude of doing anything and in the process moving Thailand forward.

On 11/9/2025 at 6:09 AM, ikke1959 said:

Stupidity is gigantic in Thailand..The country wants tourist but Thailand wants to control everything just as they do with the Thai people.. Tourists don't come to a country that treat people like kids..This law is soo dumb, because you are allowed to drink a beer only from 5pm to 11pm.. No alcohol drinks on the beach when it is hot in the afternoon. Tourists are being chased away.. and not even that.. A few weeks back there was the idea to open the entertainment venue till 4 am.. Why should they do it, as the visitors are not allowed to drink?? Is only only to promote drugs?? Do they really think that people in a bar  going to sit and drinking water after midnight??? The country is looking more and more as dictatorship instead a free country..

 

Thank you for your comments. IMO Thailand has always been a dictatorship of one sort or the other - the Military and/or the upper elite establishment! Whenever things do not go their way, there is a coup and a military Junta estabished. It will be interesting to see what happens in the forthcoming days before the Thai Parliament is dissoved, as promised by Anutin. The Peoples Party have recently been reported for breaking rules and there is a call for them to be disbanded, how convenient BEFORE the dissolution of Parliament and a General Election!

17 minutes ago, davb said:

 

Could this be a holdover from something Thaksin and his daughter set in motion?

The final version of the revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 (2025) was a compromise among multiple draft bills. The bill that passed the National Assembly of Thailand (House of Representatives) on 19 March 2025 was a “compromise between five different proposals”.   

 

1. Bill proposed by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) / Cabinet draft

This draft was put forward by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and approved by the Cabinet.  

 

2. Bill proposed by the Pheu Thai Party

A bill advanced by the Pheu Thai Party aimed at modernising the alcohol laws, taking into account business/economic development and tourism.  

 

3. Bill proposed by the Move Forward Party (MFP), later the People’s Party.

The Move Forward Party submitted its own draft (represented by MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn) focused on balancing regulation, innovation and fairness for craft producers.  

 

4. Bill proposed by an anti-alcohol control network

 

From a network (civil society/advocacy groups) pushing for tighter alcohol regulation, more restrictions, stronger public-health protections, preventing liberalisation that might expand harms.  

 

5. Bill proposed by a business-/industry-oriented network 

This draft came from a network representing business/tourism interests, seeking more liberal conditions for alcohol production, sales, advertising, especially to help the tourism economy and local producers.  

Is this the relaxation of the alcohol laws that has been discussed for yonks? 🙂

I don't understand what all this is all about. On my first visit to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia is 50% Muslim) I went into a market and it was 300PM. I was still in "LOS" mode and so I thought would I have to wait until 500 PM. The answer was no because the cashier who was wearing a hijab told me I can buy beer, wine or other adult beverages as long as the store is open.  Maybe it is time get into the 21st Century?  

The restricted selling hours have been in place for many years.

Then what has changed :-

 

Consumer liability - Until now the legal burden was on sellers and retailers. Under the new law individuals who are drinking or being served alcohol during prohibited hours or in prohibited places can now be fined.

 

Consumption prohibition during restricted hours - It used to be mainly a sales ban but now the law explicitly prohibits consumption in licensed venues or areas authorised for alcohol service during the banned periods even if the drink was bought before the cut-off time began.

 

Stronger enforcement powers - The Act gives authorities more tools to inspect sellers.

What has not changed :-

 

The ability to drink alcohol purchased outside of restricted hours at home or in a public place 24/7. Public places means  areas not restricted like schools and temples.

Example of abuse :-

 

A bar near to us operated with a midnight cut-off licence but people were often seen drinking at 2am. The owner would simply tell police his customers purchased several beers before midnight and he was keeping them cool in the fridge. Noise levels are horrendous and many locals have complained.
 

On 11/9/2025 at 5:42 AM, gargamon said:

Why is Thailand always about “How can we suck more money out of these tourists“?

Isn't this an example of how tourist can't spend money 🤔.😁

I would have thought it would be more important to inforce much tougher

fines and penalties' for those DUI , the richer you are the bigger the fine,

repeat offenders end up getting their vehicle crushed, there is no need

for DUI ,there are plenty of Grab taxis if you want to do that....

 

regards worgeordie

I am not sure any of these laws and restrictions have reduced drunk driving or those drunks in general disturbing the peace, not to mention alcoholics that will always find a way. 

Every cloud.....might see less shirtless Russians stumbling about clutching bottles of Leo in the afternoons.🤣

On 11/9/2025 at 7:50 AM, marin said:

Maybe you should just pack your bags and go.

 

On 11/9/2025 at 9:07 AM, ikke1959 said:

What a comment.. no wonder people leave the country, reading posts like this really makes you feel welcome.. Money is only that counts in Thailand. We have seen how respectful peopke are treated at Miss Universe this week and this comment is in the same line..indeed no tourists shoyld come any more and all expats should leave anf than you can see what will happen with you country..the result og a Thai education

Indeed, What a comment!       Are you seriously suggesting anybody is considering leaving because of comments they have read on this forum.   That is ridiculous   

            It is also rather ridiculous to form any opinions , based on  what happens at beauty pageants

But assuming your wishes come to fruition, the tourists  stop, the ex pats leave, and the economy endures chronic financial hardship,  how exactly would that benefit you  or anybody else ?

Close between 2pm - 5pm and extend to 4am....You can see the joined up thinking here! 🙄

On 11/9/2025 at 3:13 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

Picture courtesy of Straitstimes

 

Drinkers face hefty fines from 8 November under new amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which strengthen restrictions on alcohol sales and consumption during prohibited hours. Individuals caught drinking or being served alcohol between 2pm and 5pm, or from midnight to 11am, could face penalties of 10,000 baht or more. The tightened rules also extend to advertising, with bans on promotional content featuring celebrities, influencers or public figures.

 

The law, first enacted in 1972 to restrict alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm at most retail outlets and supermarkets, has now been updated to shift responsibility from sellers to consumers. Although licensed entertainment venues, hotels, certified tourist establishments and international airports are exempt, customers themselves are now liable for violations. Authorities say the move is aimed at curbing excessive drinking and promoting public order, though critics argue it will damage the hospitality sector.

 

Restaurant owners have voiced concerns that the legislation will harm their businesses. Thai Restaurant Association president Mr Chanon Koetcharoen said the restrictions will impede growth because customers are now directly penalised. He cited an example where a customer who buys a beer before 2pm but continues drinking after the cutoff could be fined under Section 32. “This will impede the growth of the restaurant industry,” said Mr Chanon, who also operates a restaurant in Bangkok.

 

On Bangkok’s Khao San Road, known for its nightlife and backpacker crowd, businesses are continuing to serve alcohol throughout the day, despite the restrictions. One assistant manager, who declined to give his full name, said sales could halve during the banned hours as customers become more cautious. “With the possibility of drinkers themselves being fined, sales of alcohol may halve during those times,” he said.

 

Some observers warn that the stricter rules could open the door to misuse by officials seeking to fine customers or businesses for personal gain. Opposition MP Mr Taopiphop Limjittrakorn of the People’s Party, who advocates for liquor liberalisation, said he believes alcohol should be available 24 hours a day. “The amended law aims to serve the purpose of those opposing alcohol,” he said.

 

As the new rules take effect, enforcement and public awareness are expected to be key factors determining their impact. Industry groups are urging the government to clarify guidelines to prevent arbitrary penalties and reduce confusion among businesses and consumers alike.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand now could fine individuals 10,000 baht or more for drinking during prohibited hours.

• New rules shift responsibility from sellers to consumers, tightening advertising limits.

• Restaurant owners and opposition MPs warn the measures could hurt tourism and dining sectors.

 

Related Stories

 

Alcohol-research-centre-warns-of-risks-in-sales-deregulation

 

Anutin-plans-to-scrap-alcohol-zoning-extend-hours-to-4am

 

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Straitstimes 2025-11-09

 

 

 

 

Don't worry, you can still smoke weed from 2-5

Can anyone tell me what licensed entertainment venues and certified tourist establishments in Pattaya are exempt exactly?   I walked by some beerbars yesterday, between 2-5pm, and there were a bunch of people sitting there drinking same as always.

 

What about all those Thais I see day drinking on Pattaya Beach every day?  Are they exempt too?  What if there are some tourists right beside them doing the same thing?  Fairly common to see tourists sitting on those beach chairs having a beer around that time.

Many venues will continue to sell drinks outside of legal hours, but now, as usual in Thailand, they will punish the victims rather than the perpetrators.

On 11/8/2025 at 4:50 PM, marin said:

You tell them Eric. I mean you have lived here for ages but remain a tourist. Who would know better??😅😅😅😅

 

Maybe you should just pack your bags and go........

That person is being quite the drama queen acting like it's the end of the world or something.  Not even that big a deal for hardcore alcoholics who can just day drink at home or whatever if they can't last 3 hours without getting withdrawls.

2 hours ago, Caldera said:

 

Insanity. They should get rid of those silly kindergarten restrictions altogether. 

Law makers

Hopefully the first board member to be fined will report here.

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

The final version of the revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 (2025) was a compromise among multiple draft bills. The bill that passed the National Assembly of Thailand (House of Representatives) on 19 March 2025 was a “compromise between five different proposals”.   

 

1. Bill proposed by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) / Cabinet draft

This draft was put forward by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and approved by the Cabinet.  

 

2. Bill proposed by the Pheu Thai Party

A bill advanced by the Pheu Thai Party aimed at modernising the alcohol laws, taking into account business/economic development and tourism.  

 

3. Bill proposed by the Move Forward Party (MFP), later the People’s Party.

The Move Forward Party submitted its own draft (represented by MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn) focused on balancing regulation, innovation and fairness for craft producers.  

 

4. Bill proposed by an anti-alcohol control network

 

From a network (civil society/advocacy groups) pushing for tighter alcohol regulation, more restrictions, stronger public-health protections, preventing liberalisation that might expand harms.  

 

5. Bill proposed by a business-/industry-oriented network 

This draft came from a network representing business/tourism interests, seeking more liberal conditions for alcohol production, sales, advertising, especially to help the tourism economy and local producers.  

Seems like the only compromise was brewer 1 and 4 with proposals 2 and 3 totally ignored.

49 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

 

Indeed, What a comment!       Are you seriously suggesting anybody is considering leaving because of comments they have read on this forum.   That is ridiculous   

            It is also rather ridiculous to form any opinions , based on  what happens at beauty pageants

But assuming your wishes come to fruition, the tourists  stop, the ex pats leave, and the economy endures chronic financial hardship,  how exactly would that benefit you  or anybody else ?

It does not benefit me at all... but comments that people saying that if you don't like it in Thailand pack you belongings and leave shows how much welcoming the country is for foreigners.. Most of these people have no clue what expats and tourists contribute to the country, but they are not respected at all by these people.. And the latest outburst by the man of the Miss Universe competition showed the real face of Thailand... You can come here, promote the country and shut your mouth and sit down.... If all foreigners would leave there is not much left of the country anymore maybe they should realize that once

On 11/9/2025 at 4:12 AM, gargamon said:

Why is Thailand always about “How can we suck more money out of these tourists“?

This law applies ONLY to tourists?

Really?

On 11/9/2025 at 4:50 AM, bubblegum said:

he left hand again not knowing what the right hand is doing.

 

Good bye tourists.

Tourists say good bye quite easily. Are there any left in TH now?

On 11/9/2025 at 9:19 AM, happysoul said:

Great, another great idea from this childish government (be it left or right wing, all the same).

 

...

 

Sad to see this country will never evolve. Only hope is that educated youngs see the light but as most are brainwashed it won't be easy.

 

 

Many people are finally seeing the light, as the results of the last elections demonstrate.

 

The problem is that the party that won was dissolved, and its leader disqualified, by those who truly hold power in the country.

 

 

30 minutes ago, shdmn said:

Can anyone tell me what licensed entertainment venues and certified tourist establishments in Pattaya are exempt exactly?   I walked by some beerbars yesterday, between 2-5pm, and there were a bunch of people sitting there drinking same as always.

 

A good question because the only way to be sure is to translate the licence type displaced at the venue. When you have zoned areas with various licences how can a person who can't read Thai possibly know the bars restrictions. Asking staff or owner might not be reliable. 

Oh well,back to the yaba I suppose.

On 11/9/2025 at 7:39 AM, HappyExpat57 said:

How is a tourist supposed to know whether or not they are having a beer at a certified tourist establishment?

Even more so, WHY SHOULD THEY CARE whether or not they are having a beer at a certified tourist establishment?

I normally don’t drink alcohol at lunch time. But, if I’m on a holiday I do enjoy a glass of wine with my lunch. Being told I cannot would be quite insulting.  However, it seems that at most hotels here it wouldn’t apply. 

2 hours ago, AhFarangJa said:

Yep, I remember many moons ago we had a minibus pick us up from Don Muang, (before Swampy was built.), we were on our way to surin. The driver stopped to fuel up, but the 7/11 did not sell beer. The driver said no plomlem, drove out of the station, about two car lengths along the road was a mom & pop shop where we bought some tins. You just cannot make it up. Now of course it is illegal to drink those minivans, allegedly.

Apparently so, a English guy got stopped in a taxi in Bangkok and he had a drink in his hand, the  police breathalyzed him and it was negative, so they didn't fine him as it was unopened, 

What happened to the drinking up time? At least in England you get 30 minutes, 

1 minute ago, ChipButty said:

What happened to the drinking up time? At least in England you get 30 minutes, 

 

Is that still the case?

 

Haven't been for in a pub later than about 9pm for a lifetime.

 

Do they still ring a bell (obvs something to be avoided like the plague in a Thai bar)?

How do we know if the premises are legally licensed?