Thailand to Fine Drinkers for After-Hours Alcohol Consumption

The transcription below features key news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, presented by Alex and Jay on the Good Morning Thailand program. Highlights include stricter alcohol regulations with new fines for drinkers, the arrest of a Russian man accused of promoting online drug sales via QR stickers, and Thailand’s upcoming currency makeover with new polymer banknotes set to enter circulation.

1. Thailand to Fine Drinkers for After-Hours Alcohol Consumption
Thailand has updated its alcohol law, introducing fines up to 10,000 baht for anyone caught drinking outside legal hours. Tourism operators worry the new rule may affect nightlife areas.

2. Phuket Airport Expansion Delayed to 2031
Plans to expand Phuket International Airport have been pushed back to around 2031, raising concerns that the island may struggle to handle rising tourist demand as arrivals near capacity.

3. Foreign Suspects Arrested in Koh Phangan Drug Crackdown
Police in Koh Phangan arrested French and Russian nationals and seized multiple drugs during a raid targeting foreign-led trafficking networks on the tourist island.

4. Russian Man Held Over QR-Linked Drug Promotion
A Russian man was arrested for placing QR-code stickers in tourist areas that linked to illicit online drug marketplaces, prompting renewed monitoring of digital-based drug activity.

5. Push to Remove Unlicensed Alcohol Vending Machines
Public-health advocates are urging a ban on unregulated alcohol vending machines, saying they allow underage and intoxicated buyers to access alcohol without oversight.

6. Thailand to Tax All Online Imports From 2026
Starting 1 January 2026, all online imported goods to Thailand will be taxed from the first baht, ending the low-value exemption to create fairer competition for local retailers.

7. Polymer Banknotes Launching in November
Thailand will introduce new 50-baht and 100-baht polymer banknotes with enhanced durability and security features. Current paper notes will remain in circulation.

8. Pattaya to Host International Tattoo Festival in 2025
Pattaya’s Central Marina will host a major tattoo festival in November 2025 featuring global artists, live demonstrations and more than 22 competition categories.