1 hour ago, crazykopite said:

For goodness sake were in the 21st Century are these people sleep walking  I have never understood the reasoning behind the alcohol laws in Thailand they are totally outdated as are those that make these rules .At 74 years young my consumption of alcohol is minimal however I don’t want to be told when I can and cannot have a drink it’s absurd 

I am the same. At 72, I rarely have a drink before 5pm, so the 2-5pm time slot is not really going to affect me. However I reserve the right to have a drink if out for lunch and resent having by buying and drinking time compartmentalized in the manner proposed by the government. Can these people never get a regulation or policy right the first time?

16 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Ummm, Wine Connection,...

You can't buy alcohol there during the prohibited hours. 

3 hours ago, mfd101 said:

I wonder what the rates of alcoholism are here compared to any Western country ...

 

 

I would say quite high based on what I see walking around Pattaya, although probably more of that here since it's such a party town.  Quite common to see Thais drinking down on beach at all hours of the day and night.

 

None of these rules affects them anyways.  Most of them could never pay a 10k baht fine.   The cops will only go after tourists, just like they do pulling over people on scooters.

38 minutes ago, deesquared said:

You can't buy alcohol there during the prohibited hours. 

Their lunches only go to 2.30pm any ways.

 

but one would think they are a licenced venue.

1 hour ago, Ralf001 said:

 

you seriously think people will pay the fine ?

 

Bwahahahahahahahahaha.

Yes to the copper. At a discount of course. Big tea money potential for the RTP. The RTP will all start driving mercs. with that fine!

Shocking....what could go wrong when you roll out a policy without providing details and clarity for people who do not live here, but are a source for your GDP?

3 hours ago, Sydebolle said:

We don't realize how blessed we all are. The Prime Minister himself is paying his undivided attention to the issue:

- Thais do not care and alcohol is freely bought and consumed 24/ (at least on the countryside)
- except bigger supermarkets not a single vendor seriously sticks to this ridiculous regulation 
- non-Thais can be held at ransom or face the music as far as a juicy fine of 10,000 Baht is concerned 

And now the semi-divine see the need to "explain" their clownery as neither Thais and certainly not the non-Thais understand, what all this is about. 

Another nail in the tourism coffer - congratulations, keep up the good work! 

True, my Issan peeps do not care....never did.  Those folks drink like fishes....

14 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

THailand makes everything difficult... because every establishment can or will have different rules in the same law.. Why should restaurants being different than bars, clubs, hotels, airports... One rule for All...

It's not a bug, it's a feature. This way you can gain revenue from all different sorts of parties before finally deciding which envelope is the thickest for now and the future. It's the same with pretty much everything, they'll protect the big families and their monopolies over anyone else. If you haven't figured out by now that you're living in an oligarchy, you need to get your eyes checked.

20 hours ago, ukrules said:

The restaurants should just shut down until 5pm countrywide.

I know this won't happen but if it did then it would force action should it not be forthcoming.

 

This might be the best solution to address the obesity problem in Thailand.

Diabetes Type Two is on the rise.

 

1 hour ago, BerndD said:

Does the government also have a time limit for drinking alcohol?
Obviously not...

 

Bottoms up.

 

 

1 hour ago, deesquared said:

You can't buy alcohol there during the prohibited hours. 

 

It always amazes me that Wine Connection has an eatery in which they are restricted in the time they can sell wine.

 

Also having a legit wine department, like in Tops must be a pretty poor waste of retail space, when it has mandatory closure during key shopping periods, (unless of course you buy a case), or you order online and have it delivered, (another obvious loophole to a nonsensical law).

 

I no longer drink, but I do entertain people who do, and I sometimes need to have alcohol to serve to guests who do. The laws are inconvenient and unnecessary, and I have absolutely no idea what the logic is behind the specified times, probably because there isn't any, and God forbid anyone who sits on one of these brainiac committees who decide such policies, should possess any critical thinking.

 

Ditto many policy decisions.

Thai laws are always so vague and open to interpretation so that local police stations can each have a different way of implementing the law. This provides so many loopholes for the local constabulary to make some money.

3 hours ago, paul1804 said:

To all those who regularly posted negative Thaksin statements, you got what you wanted, Thaksin out, Anutin in! 

 

 

we did indeed and long may it continue, hopefully we won't be hearing much of Mr square head again

1 hour ago, shdmn said:

I would say quite high based on what I see walking around Pattaya, although probably more of that here since it's such a party town.  Quite common to see Thais drinking down on beach at all hours of the day and night.

 

None of these rules affects them anyways.  Most of them could never pay a 10k baht fine.   The cops will only go after tourists, just like they do pulling over people on scooters.

Many of them is Cambodians and Myanmar 

32 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Thai laws are always so vague and open to interpretation so that local police stations can each have a different way of implementing the law. This provides so many loopholes for the local constabulary to make some money.

Agree. The cops must be sharing it with someone ouside Police Dept. Maybe the deal was done with cash up front to that second party to make sure the rule went into effect. That would make more sense. Why else would they come up with the 10k fine?

4 hours ago, Qarsaan said:

The law is people are permitted to sell and consume alcoholic drinks during certain timings. What is confusing about that?

 

Because it's a truly stupid law. They passed it to protect young people. But there's already a law that prohibits the sale of alcohol to those under 20. If you live in the countryside and drive to the nearest larger town once a week to shop, and you're standing in line at the checkout at 2 p.m. with beer and other drinks, you understand the absurdity of this law. It doesn't protect anyone from drinking alcohol, because you can always buy it beforehand, but it does inconvenience everyone who goes shopping and is over 20.

3 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

 

you seriously think people will pay the fine ?

 

Bwahahahahahahahahaha.

I'm sure Iraelis will think they're targeted once again, and will refuse... What can a normal tourist/expat do if they show up and fine them...please enlighten me. 

4 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

Currently under discussion is the idea of moving the New Year to 11pm......this will allow people to drink and celebrate for an hour without facing a 10,000 baht fine.

Why not?  They've obviously moved April 1st to November 10th, when all this was announced.

Their country, their calenda, their "thought" process.   🤔😁

6 hours ago, paul1804 said:

The Thaksin government were not this stupid and many predicted what was in store when this new administration took over. 

Oh yes they were 😀😀

 

You have obviously forgotten about Dimluk.

18 hours ago, still kicking said:

Happens to me every time I am in Thailand 

you would think that you would have learned something by now, 

This bunch of idiots have got to climb down now, oh what tidings will December 4th bring ?  just can't make this up lol. 

Just like the Cannabis fiasco, Thailand ministers seems unable to discuss an issue, come up with a plan, introduce a new law and stick with-it.

They half halfheartedly come up with something, talk for ages, propose a change then lightly float it out, then back-flip.

Causing confusion... 

On 11/11/2025 at 10:59 AM, snoop1130 said:

This regulation does not apply to international airports, legal entertainment venues, and hotels.

So where exactly DOES it apply? are customers now expected to conduct background checks on any establishment they choose to drink in to verify their legality? Just scrap this stupid law and be done with it.

10 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Take your time why not !!!!

 

Have to give it due and deliberate consideration!

7 hours ago, Spock said:

I am the same. At 72, I rarely have a drink before 5pm, so the 2-5pm time slot is not really going to affect me. However I reserve the right to have a drink if out for lunch and resent having by buying and drinking time compartmentalized in the manner proposed by the government. Can these people never get a regulation or policy right the first time?

 

 "Can these people never get a regulation or policy right the first time?"

 

I can't believe you are asking that question - the answer is so obvious!

10 hours ago, JJ-Thailand said:

A U-turn already?

December 4. Yup already marked in my diary. Incredible.🙃🙃

About time Thailand moved into the real world 

12 hours ago, sambum said:

 

 "Can these people never get a regulation or policy right the first time?"

 

I can't believe you are asking that question - the answer is so obvious!

Zoning is confusing....

why not have something like open-air bars, beer gardens, restaurants etc can legally open from 11 am-2 am

Enclosed establishments such as hotels, clubs etc open 11 am to 4 am.

Alcohol sales can be allowed during any opening hours in all retail outlets.

Let the RTP deal with any irregularities or disturbances.

 

10 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Zoning is confusing....

why not have something like open-air bars, beer gardens, restaurants etc can legally open from 11 am-2 am

Enclosed establishments such as hotels, clubs etc open 11 am to 4 am.

Alcohol sales can be allowed during any opening hours in all retail outlets.

Let the RTP deal with any irregularities or disturbances.

 

That would mean that the RTP have to do the job they are paid for - that's asking a bit much!

Does not really matter as the silly law has been repealed. 

 

BREAKING: Alcohol Board Unlocks Alcohol/Beer Sales from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Awaits 15-Day Public Notice, Hopes to Stimulate Economy During Festivals.

At 2:30 PM on November 13, 2025, at the Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Sophon Sarum spoke after chairing the second meeting of the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee (2/2025).

He stated that many are concerned about the New Year and Songkran tourism festivals. If the law is strictly enforced, it might discourage tourists from visiting Thailand or reduce domestic spending. Therefore, a policy was set to cancel the current ban on alcohol sales from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This ban was originally implemented to prevent civil servants from drinking during the afternoon. "I told them that era is over. Civil servants no longer drink alcohol in the afternoon.

Therefore, it should be revoked," he said.

Regarding the extension of drinking hours, the tourism sector wants it extended until 4:00 AM. However, the Ministry of Public Health and doctors disagree, citing statistics that show a high number of accidents occurring between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM. He tasked the committee to discuss this. As for venues, there is already a Ministry of Interior law governing establishments, which controls when drinking is permitted and when it is not.

Mr. Sophon noted that during the New Year festival, there are Ministry of Public Health regulations promoting alcohol abstinence. He believes promotion is acceptable, but people are celebrating during the festive season. Therefore, any measure that is impractical to implement—the state can promote, but there must be incentives. "You can't just tell people not to drink; it's impossible. But if there are incentives, it's appropriate," he said. "For example, communities with no drinking should receive something."

In conclusion, the extension [of drinking hours] is certain, but the exact time—whether 2:00 AM or 4:00 AM—awaits the committee's final resolution. The 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM ban will be revoked. If the committee makes a resolution, it does not need to go to the Cabinet (Krom.), but can be issued directly as a Prime Minister's Office Announcement. This announcement will require a 15-day public hearing starting from the date of the committee's resolution, and will then take effect immediately.

8 minutes ago, marin said:

Does not really matter as the silly law has been repealed. 

 

BREAKING: Alcohol Board Unlocks Alcohol/Beer Sales from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Awaits 15-Day Public Notice, Hopes to Stimulate Economy During Festivals.

At 2:30 PM on November 13, 2025, at the Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Sophon Sarum spoke after chairing the second meeting of the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee (2/2025).

He stated that many are concerned about the New Year and Songkran tourism festivals. If the law is strictly enforced, it might discourage tourists from visiting Thailand or reduce domestic spending. Therefore, a policy was set to cancel the current ban on alcohol sales from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This ban was originally implemented to prevent civil servants from drinking during the afternoon. "I told them that era is over. Civil servants no longer drink alcohol in the afternoon.

Therefore, it should be revoked," he said.

Regarding the extension of drinking hours, the tourism sector wants it extended until 4:00 AM. However, the Ministry of Public Health and doctors disagree, citing statistics that show a high number of accidents occurring between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM. He tasked the committee to discuss this. As for venues, there is already a Ministry of Interior law governing establishments, which controls when drinking is permitted and when it is not.

Mr. Sophon noted that during the New Year festival, there are Ministry of Public Health regulations promoting alcohol abstinence. He believes promotion is acceptable, but people are celebrating during the festive season. Therefore, any measure that is impractical to implement—the state can promote, but there must be incentives. "You can't just tell people not to drink; it's impossible. But if there are incentives, it's appropriate," he said. "For example, communities with no drinking should receive something."

In conclusion, the extension [of drinking hours] is certain, but the exact time—whether 2:00 AM or 4:00 AM—awaits the committee's final resolution. The 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM ban will be revoked. If the committee makes a resolution, it does not need to go to the Cabinet (Krom.), but can be issued directly as a Prime Minister's Office Announcement. This announcement will require a 15-day public hearing starting from the date of the committee's resolution, and will then take effect immediately.

Could you provide a link to go with this? I'd like to send this info to a friend I'd been discussing this with but would prefer to send them a link rather than the entire article.

 

Thanks.