File picture for reference only

 

The National Alcohol Policy Committee has decided to lift the long-standing ban on alcohol sales from 2pm to 5pm, citing the need to boost spending during festive seasons. The new regulation will take effect 15 days after public consultation, without requiring cabinet approval. The panel has yet to decide on extending drinking hours at entertainment venues.

 

The afternoon ban was originally introduced to prevent civil servants from drinking during office hours. Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum, who chaired the committee’s second meeting at Government House on 13 November, said the rule is now outdated. “Government officials no longer drink in the afternoon. Today, officials do not go out drinking during working hours, so the ban should be lifted,” he stated.

 

Authorities began considering lifting the ban after criticism from businesses and the public. Tourism operators have also  proposed extending closing hours to 4am, but the Ministry of Public Health and medical experts have opposed this, citing accident statistics showing a spike in fatalities from 2am to 3am. Mr Sophon said the panel would continue discussions to reach a compromise.

 

The Ministry of Interior regulates operating hours for entertainment venues, so any extension must align with existing laws. While the Public Health Ministry promotes alcohol-free campaigns during New Year, Mr Sophon stressed that such measures must be realistic. “People celebrate during festivals. If the state wants to encourage abstinence, it must offer incentives, not just impose bans,” he said.

 

The committee will also review zoning rules for alcohol sales near educational institutions, clarifying whether distances should be measured from the school fence or building. Once a final decision is reached on drinking hours, it can be issued directly by the Prime Minister’s Office without cabinet endorsement. The announcement will be open for public comment for 15 days before taking effect, reported The Bangkok Post.

Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost- Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• The 2–5pm alcohol sales ban will be lifted after 15 days of public consultation.

• Extended drinking hours at entertainment venues remain under discussion.

• Zoning rules for alcohol sales near schools will be reviewed for clarity.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Bangkokpost 2025-11-14

 

 

 

 

53 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The National Alcohol Policy Committee has decided to lift the long-standing ban on alcohol sales from 2pm to 5pm,

 

About time. it is 2025!

Never wanting to be one who assumes - will this include 7/11's, Lotus, Big C, etc.?

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

The afternoon ban was originally introduced to prevent civil servants from drinking during office hours.

Because some government officials' misconduct has led to the entire population of the country and their guests being penalized?

I truly hope this will be the case and nation wide not just 'tourist designated zones'. Why not open at 9:00 am at the same time. 

He is attempted to say HOORAY but awaits the inevitable flip-flop! It’ll just be restaurants in ‘entertainment zones’ and won’t extend to 7-11s and supermarkets, you’ll see. 

At last they have seen the light... It is a good to end this rule-for-nothing.. welcome in the 21st century.. and as I wrote last week already the alcohol industry will not accept the new law as it will cost them dearly as drinking was prohibited too.. and see flip-flop Thailand will adjust 

Another failed attempt to suck more money out of people. It's not a spigot where you turn it on to get more money and turn it off to get less. Most people can think ahead and know they need to stock up. This will stop as they can now buy anytime they want. Alcohol consumption will stay the same. 

 

I do totally agree with the removal of the 2-5 restrictions though. How ridiculous to inconvenience people that way.

31 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

He is attempted to say HOORAY but awaits the inevitable flip-flop! It’ll just be restaurants in ‘entertainment zones’ and won’t extend to 7-11s and supermarkets, you’ll see. 

I hope you're wrong but I fear you're correct. This may very well be more about optics than actual common sense.

Troll post removed

 

@Celsius this is the Thai news section, if you want to discuss Epstein, there are plenty of topics open.

Will someone tell 7/11 that they can sell Heineken zero at anytime, It's none alcoholic, but no they wont have it, 

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

I truly hope this will be the case and nation wide not just 'tourist designated zones'. Why not open at 9:00 am at the same time. 

 

A 12-11AM sale ban is not great but getting rid of the 2-5 sales ban is 1 million times better..

 

I really hope this is for real this time.The press release is very encouraging that this is the real deal, including 7-11 and Big C...

 

But the true test will come if we will all be able to buy a beer from 7-11 at 3PM soon....

 

The stupid 2-5 ban has messed up many many grocery shopping trips for me for many a year now...

 

 

Probably only available to Covid-vaccinated mask-wearing monks accompanied by wives, and only on a full moon in months with 29 days.

 

But we can hope!!

They will flip flop on this again.

 

What do you think the 15 day window is for??

 

I bet you the end result will be that nothing changes.

This is just another face saving exercise routine.

 

Eric.

A few days ago they're cracking down and tightening the laws, now they've gotten rid of the law. Which they should.

 

These guys can't make up their minds and they talk too much in public about what they're thinking about doing.

 

But good riddance.

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

“Government officials no longer drink in the afternoon. Today, officials do not go out drinking during working hours, so the ban should be lifted,” he stated.

The lunch break dining officials will do what they've always done... eat & drink.

But good news that you can buy a beer with your lunch, or stock-up while doing your normal shopping run.

Phew!

What a relief!

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The afternoon ban was originally introduced to prevent civil servants from drinking during office hours.

That's an insane reason and even more insane to admit it

And as for sales before 11 a.m., I have to go shopping in town every 10 days, so do I have to wait until 11 a.m. to buy wine?

I wish they'd make their minds up.

 

This flip flopping is insane. People aren't going to book a holiday thinking it could flip back again a couple of times before they even get here. 

3 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

About time. it is 2025!

Government officials no longer go out drinking in the afternoon 

They go to country little places to entertain friends, I've been out with some school teachers and govt officials who have their hideaways and are proud of them 

 

Allowing sales from 2-5 pm makes good sense . . let's hope they stick to it!

 

Allowing sales to 4 am is madness, for many reasons . . close at 1 am please.

20 minutes ago, cdemundo said:

Phew!

What a relief!

don't get your hopes up yet!

 

Eric.

I thought they were enforcing the ban last week?

3 hours ago, CharlesHolzhauer said:

Because some government officials' misconduct has led to the entire population of the country and their guests being penalized?

 

Yes, this is Thai style is many cases of misbehaviour. They are afraid (or lazy) to go after the individuals, so it is easier to penalise everyone.

 

I once flew TG from Europe to Bangkok and there were two female passengers who had had more than enough alcohol before boarding. The result was that serving of alcohol was reduced during the meal and completely closed after the meal.

 

Do you remember when an SRT employee molested a female passenger? The result was to ban ALL drinking of alcohol on the trains. I never use trains so it doesn't bother me, but I feel sorry for those who would like to enjoy a quiet beer.

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

I wish they'd make their minds up.

 

This flip flopping is insane. People aren't going to book a holiday thinking it could flip back again a couple of times before they even get here. 

The inability to get booze for 3 hours a day will definitely cut down on Brit and Aussie tourists

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

I wish they'd make their minds up.

 

This flip flopping is insane. People aren't going to book a holiday thinking it could flip back again a couple of times before they even get here. 

 

Flip flop! Let's get the planes full again and while they are in flight we can revert back to the afternoon ban and collect more tea  alcohol money.

11 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

I wish they'd make their minds up.

 

This flip flopping is insane. People aren't going to book a holiday thinking it could flip back again a couple of times before they even get here. 

This has nothing to do with holiday makers. Holiday makers are not going to cancel a holiday due to an official 2-5 alcohol ban

3 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Never wanting to be one who assumes - will this include 7/11's, Lotus, Big C, etc.?

 

Since government officers never drank alcohol at these retail outlets, the whole premise for banning afternoon alcohol sales was flawed from the get go. But it's about control.

 

As for the bold statement that, "Government officials no longer drink in the afternoon", of course they don't. This is 2025 after all but they probably still get bladdered at long lunches paid for by grovelling sycophants, wannabe hi-so's and "businessmen" seeking a special favour. It's still about control 

 

Anyway, hold the celebrations as there's still 15-days of "public consultations" which means the public won't be asked and will simply be told what to do after the  various special interests groups have all stuck their oars in the already muddy water. It's still all about control.