November 12, 2025Nov 12 Popular Post File photo for reference only Eight major tourism and hospitality associations have urged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to revoke the time restrictions on alcohol sale and consumption imposed in Thailand by the new Alcohol Control Act B.E. 2568 (2025). The amended law, effective from November 8, has reportedly caused confusion among tourists and harmed businesses. The key concern is the sales and consumption ban during 2 p.m.–5 p.m. and after midnight, which includes fines for offenders. The associations argue the restrictions disrupt nightlife and tourism, negatively impacting Thailand’s appeal, especially during peak tourist season. They assert that the longstanding rules, meant to curb alcohol-related harm, have instead stimulated illicit trade and underground markets. They emphasize the importance of responsible consumption but believe current measures hinder tourism recovery. To address these issues, the associations proposed three actions: lifting the consumption bans during restricted hours, reviewing zoning rules for alcohol sales in key tourist areas, and revoking the online sales ban. They suggest regulated online sales with age verification to align with Thailand’s digital economy goals and support local producers. Experts worry that continuing the restrictions could further damage the tourism sector's recovery efforts and push consumers toward illegal vendors. The proposed changes are seen as essential for revitalizing tourism while ensuring responsible alcohol management. Looking forward, the government will need to consider these recommendations carefully to balance regulation with the economic and social needs of the country. A reevaluation of the current alcohol policies could be on the horizon, potentially leading to policy adjustments in line with national economic objectives. Key Takeaways Tourism associations seek to lift alcohol sale restrictions. Current bans reportedly harm Thailand's tourism sector. Proposed changes align with digital economy and tourism goals. Related Stories: Tightening of Alcohol Laws With New Fines for Drinkers Thailand to Reassess Alcohol Sale Hours in Eateries Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-11-12
November 13, 2025Nov 13 Popular Post 8 minutes ago, Nickcage49 said: It's always been and remains ridiculous. Why 2-5? Dinosaurs still rule... everywhere else they went extinct
November 13, 2025Nov 13 Popular Post It is a surly, ridiculous, outdated, purile, and useless rule, that reveals a sense of fake puritanism, and makes Thailand appear to be utterly foolish to the world.
November 13, 2025Nov 13 15 hours ago, snoop1130 said: File photo for reference only Eight major tourism and hospitality associations have urged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to revoke the time restrictions on alcohol sale and consumption imposed in Thailand by the new Alcohol Control Act B.E. 2568 (2025). The amended law, effective from November 8, has reportedly caused confusion among tourists and harmed businesses. The key concern is the sales and consumption ban during 2 p.m.–5 p.m. and after midnight, which includes fines for offenders. The associations argue the restrictions disrupt nightlife and tourism, negatively impacting Thailand’s appeal, especially during peak tourist season. They assert that the longstanding rules, meant to curb alcohol-related harm, have instead stimulated illicit trade and underground markets. They emphasize the importance of responsible consumption but believe current measures hinder tourism recovery. To address these issues, the associations proposed three actions: lifting the consumption bans during restricted hours, reviewing zoning rules for alcohol sales in key tourist areas, and revoking the online sales ban. They suggest regulated online sales with age verification to align with Thailand’s digital economy goals and support local producers. Experts worry that continuing the restrictions could further damage the tourism sector's recovery efforts and push consumers toward illegal vendors. The proposed changes are seen as essential for revitalizing tourism while ensuring responsible alcohol management. Looking forward, the government will need to consider these recommendations carefully to balance regulation with the economic and social needs of the country. A reevaluation of the current alcohol policies could be on the horizon, potentially leading to policy adjustments in line with national economic objectives. Key Takeaways Tourism associations seek to lift alcohol sale restrictions. Current bans reportedly harm Thailand's tourism sector. Proposed changes align with digital economy and tourism goals. Related Stories: Tightening of Alcohol Laws With New Fines for Drinkers Thailand to Reassess Alcohol Sale Hours in Eateries Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-11-12 Never had a problem with the hours but to fine the punters is just crazy.
November 13, 2025Nov 13 Scrap the booze ban? Whatever would the morally superior locals have to complain about? Heck, they will have to get their spy cameras out and go hunting down foreigners having amorous liasons on a dark beach.
November 13, 2025Nov 13 Popular Post 27 minutes ago, hotchilli said: Dinosaurs still rule... everywhere else they went extinct Around 11,000 species of dinosaurs still with us. They dominate the daytime skies, and form a significant portion of my diet.
November 13, 2025Nov 13 Popular Post For someone in charge of a tourist dependant nation this leader shows his real intelligence, words cannot describe this action!!
November 13, 2025Nov 13 Popular Post 43 minutes ago, Nickcage49 said: It's always been and remains ridiculous. Why 2-5? I honestly don't think anyone knows the reason for 2-5 sales ban.....It's become sort of a sacred cow that's been around so long that they are afraid to change the useless rule..
November 13, 2025Nov 13 Popular Post This law is completely contradictory. On one hand, there's a strong push to promote tourism, while on the other, efforts are being made to undermine it.
November 13, 2025Nov 13 1 hour ago, Nickcage49 said: It's always been and remains ridiculous. Why 2-5? It started to prevent kids skipping school and going to buying booze. Also don't forget the law that no alcohol can be sold less than 800 meters from a school. (I think it's still 800 meters)
November 13, 2025Nov 13 Popular Post 23 minutes ago, paul1804 said: For someone in charge of a tourist dependant nation this leader shows his real intelligence, words cannot describe this action!! I have mentioned this before, these types of people were not at the front of the queue when IQ was being handed out. Actually, you should say, ‘Don't blame them, they don't know any better.’
November 13, 2025Nov 13 47 minutes ago, dsj said: It started to prevent kids skipping school and going to buying booze. Also don't forget the law that no alcohol can be sold less than 800 meters from a school. (I think it's still 800 meters) And don't also forget that the concept of asking for ID to check age has yet to occur to Thais, as it has in other countries. On the 800 metres thing, my nearest shopping centre is Kalasin. Makro has been refused a licence to sell alcohol as it is close to a university, and that has only - after years - been lifted in recent weeks. Meanwhile, a 7-Eleven directly opposite the uni has been allowed to sell.
November 13, 2025Nov 13 1 hour ago, hotchilli said: Dinosaurs still rule... everywhere else they went extinct I couldn't agree more. This childish 2-5 pm rule is a major inconvenience and serves no purpose. People with drinking problems will adjust and make this rule meaningless.
November 13, 2025Nov 13 1 hour ago, Vlada Floric said: Scrap the booze ban? ..or scrap the buddhism and convert the country to muslim. problems solved
November 13, 2025Nov 13 2 hours ago, Nickcage49 said: It's always been and remains ridiculous. Why 2-5? So you can get back to work, for the Thai workers' benefit.
November 13, 2025Nov 13 1 hour ago, dsj said: It started to prevent kids skipping school and going to buying booze. Also don't forget the law that no alcohol can be sold less than 800 meters from a school. (I think it's still 800 meters) Bugger! I live 600 metres from the local primary school.
November 13, 2025Nov 13 3 hours ago, hotchilli said: Dinosaurs still rule... everywhere else they went extinct Dinosaurs had small brains and required no money or drugs and alcohol
November 13, 2025Nov 13 2 hours ago, redwood1 said: I honestly don't think anyone knows the reason for 2-5 sales ban.....It's become sort of a sacred cow that's been around so long that they are afraid to change the useless rule.. I did read that it was because Government Workers came back from lunch "Pissed" ..... And other reports of being too close to schools. Why not sack the "Pissed up" workers and Close the places near schools if caught selling to minors? ... Sorry forgot where I am at the moment.........
November 13, 2025Nov 13 19 hours ago, snoop1130 said: File photo for reference only Eight major tourism and hospitality associations have urged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to revoke the time restrictions on alcohol sale and consumption imposed in Thailand by the new Alcohol Control Act B.E. 2568 (2025). The amended law, effective from November 8, has reportedly caused confusion among tourists and harmed businesses. The key concern is the sales and consumption ban during 2 p.m.–5 p.m. and after midnight, which includes fines for offenders. The associations argue the restrictions disrupt nightlife and tourism, negatively impacting Thailand’s appeal, especially during peak tourist season. They assert that the longstanding rules, meant to curb alcohol-related harm, have instead stimulated illicit trade and underground markets. They emphasize the importance of responsible consumption but believe current measures hinder tourism recovery. To address these issues, the associations proposed three actions: lifting the consumption bans during restricted hours, reviewing zoning rules for alcohol sales in key tourist areas, and revoking the online sales ban. They suggest regulated online sales with age verification to align with Thailand’s digital economy goals and support local producers. Experts worry that continuing the restrictions could further damage the tourism sector's recovery efforts and push consumers toward illegal vendors. The proposed changes are seen as essential for revitalizing tourism while ensuring responsible alcohol management. Looking forward, the government will need to consider these recommendations carefully to balance regulation with the economic and social needs of the country. A reevaluation of the current alcohol policies could be on the horizon, potentially leading to policy adjustments in line with national economic objectives. Key Takeaways Tourism associations seek to lift alcohol sale restrictions. Current bans reportedly harm Thailand's tourism sector. Proposed changes align with digital economy and tourism goals. Related Stories: Tightening of Alcohol Laws With New Fines for Drinkers Thailand to Reassess Alcohol Sale Hours in Eateries Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-11-12 I thought this reform was supposed to be relaxing the alcohol bans, but it's made it even worse because previously the ban was on sales not on consumption. So you couldn't be fined for consuming alcohol during the prohibited hours or on Buddha days, but now you can. Thailand.....The most absurd country in the world!!!
November 13, 2025Nov 13 its unnecessary but all is not lost, there is plenty of mom & pop shops that will sell beer
November 13, 2025Nov 13 I guess what will be interesting is when a tourist gets nabbed for having a beer at 14:15, and it hits the headlines. And believe me it will !!
November 13, 2025Nov 13 Funny, or sad actually, how articles about drinking always receive a lot of comments here. I wonder why?
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