Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

Public criticism has intensified following the government alcohol control committee’s decision to extend alcohol sales and drinking hours, with campaigners warning that the move lacks legitimacy and poses public health risks. Concerns have been raised that the decision was made without a full quorum and may undermine efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm. Critics argue that despite being legal under the new Alcohol Control Act, the decision could have severe consequences for communities.

 

The issue follows recent government efforts to relax alcohol regulations, including extending bar closing times and widening sales windows for beer and spirits. Supporters of the policy have cited economic benefits, including claims of 600 billion baht in spending, but opponents argue the figures do not align with current accident data. A reported 10% rise in drunk-driving incidents has further fuelled doubts over the policy’s justification.

 

Chuwit Chantaros, coordinator of the Campaign for Protection from the Dangers of Alcohol Drinking, said the public network would continue to monitor the matter closely, calling it a life-and-death issue. He warned that while some drinkers might welcome the change, non-drinkers could form a larger bloc of opposition in upcoming elections. Chuwit also questioned whether the committee’s decision could be challenged in court due to concerns over quorum and procedural legitimacy.

 

He stated that although the Alcohol Control Act permits officials to make such decisions, lawmakers must listen to all parties and follow due process rather than rushing measures through. Chuwit added that any extension of drinking hours past midnight should be confined to designated entertainment zones with proper oversight. He maintained that the government could ultimately be held accountable for any rise in alcohol-related accidents.

 

Teera Watcharapranee, Director of the Stop Drink Network Thailand (SDN), criticised the proposed extension of late-night alcohol hours to 4am, arguing that the decision prioritises economic interests over health. He said any review during the government’s six-month trial must rely on scientific data and research rather than economic projections. SDN plans to organise public forums across communities to assess local sentiment and increase awareness of the policy’s implications.

 

Teera said he opposed lifting alcohol-sale restrictions nationwide, insisting that any relaxation should be limited to designated zones or ‘sandbox’ areas. He also urged authorities to clarify enforcement procedures and confirm whether sufficient officers would be deployed for inspections. Questions remain over whether the extended hours apply to venues such as grocery shops, highlighting the need for clear criteria and venue classifications.

 

Teera noted that alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and said the move contradicts Thailand’s ambition to become a wellness hub, reported The Nation. Citing World Health Organisation findings from recent years, he reiterated that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption and dismissed the belief that light drinking can be beneficial.

Chuwit Chantaros, coordinator of the Campaign for Protection from the Dangers of Alcohol Drinking

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Campaigners argue the decision to extend alcohol sales and drinking hours lacks legitimacy and increases public health risks.

• Experts warn that rising drunk-driving incidents and unclear enforcement could worsen community safety.

• A six-month government review is planned, with calls for scientific assessment and stricter zoning.

 

Related articles 

 

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Thailand-to-lift-2–5pm-alcohol-ban-to-boost-sales-deputy-PM

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Nationthailand 2025-11-16

 

 

 

 

I get that. Personally not bothered about extended hours but the 2-5 thing is silly and has to go. 

Why not common sense?? Alcohol buying only for persons of 21 yrs old or so and with id if there is doubt about the age... Entertainment venues open till 1 am or 2 am.... A good working RTP with strict controls and high fines and punishments, instead of 500 THB or so by driving when drunk,, but there is a lack of everything..People in Thailand are too conservative to even change the selling ban from 2 to 5, no common sense, and the RTP is not working, and the entertainment industry is addicted to long opening hours

Public in this context being a minority activist wowser group represented by an organisation that wants to stop alcohol consumption. 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A reported 10% rise in drunk-driving incidents has further fuelled doubts over the policy’s justification.

This probably has more to do with police actually doing more to catch drunk drivers. Opening for another 3 hours in the afternoon will see some sort of huge increase? I'd like to see some supporting data on this.

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Chuwit Chantaros, coordinator of the Campaign for Protection from the Dangers of Alcohol Drinking, said the public network would continue to monitor the matter closely, calling it a life-and-death issue. He warned that while some drinkers might welcome the change, non-drinkers could form a larger bloc of opposition in upcoming elections.

Not sure what alcohol sales hours have anything to do with non-drinkers. This is purely a temperance like ideology trying to being forced onto the majority of the public by a bunch of wowsers.

 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Teera Watcharapranee, Director of the Stop Drink Network Thailand (SDN), criticised the proposed extension of late-night alcohol hours to 4am, arguing that the decision prioritises economic interests over health.

4:00 am is pretty late in the night maybe 1 or 2 am would be more sensible. Nightlife entertainment is not having to stop having fun at midnight.

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Teera said he opposed lifting alcohol-sale restrictions nationwide, insisting that any relaxation should be limited to designated zones or ‘sandbox’ areas.

Ridiculous. This should be nation wide. Enough of the ridiculous nanny state and arcane alcohol sales prohibition laws.

 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Teera noted that alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and said the move contradicts Thailand’s ambition to become a wellness hub, reported The Nation. Citing World Health Organisation findings from recent years, he reiterated that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption and dismissed the belief that light drinking can be beneficial.

 

Here is an example of madness. No one should drink alcohol. Absolute nonsense argument from an extreme minority viewpoint.

26 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Why not common sense?? Alcohol buying only for persons of 21 yrs old or so and with id if there is doubt about the age... Entertainment venues open till 1 am or 2 am.... A good working RTP with strict controls and high fines and punishments, instead of 500 THB or so by driving when drunk,, but there is a lack of everything..People in Thailand are too conservative to even change the selling ban from 2 to 5, no common sense, and the RTP is not working, and the entertainment industry is addicted to long opening hours

 

Would be awesome if drink driving was only a Bt.500 fine.

27 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Why not common sense?? Alcohol buying only for persons of 21 yrs old

 

You need to go to the US for that level or stupidity

 

Who does the current restrictions affect?  Tourists, casual drinkers and poor people.  My estimation is that they want to limit the poor people's access to booze. Regular drinkers with cash will keep a supply at home, tourists will wait until 5pm or go to a bar or restaurant and casual drinkers just shrug their shoulders and drink something else instead. 

13 minutes ago, flaming dragon said:

Who does the current restrictions affect?

Every single person of drinking age in Thailand who would, for example like to buy a cold beer at 711 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon on a stinking hot day. Give me one good reason why this shouldn't be allowed to happen.

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

Public in this context being a minority activist wowser group represented by an organisation that wants to stop alcohol consumption. 

This probably has more to do with police actually doing more to catch drunk drivers. Opening for another 3 hours in the afternoon will see some sort of huge increase? I'd like to see some supporting data on this.

Not sure what alcohol sales hours have anything to do with non-drinkers. This is purely a temperance like ideology trying to being forced onto the majority of the public by a bunch of wowsers.

 

4:00 am is pretty late in the night maybe 1 or 2 am would be more sensible. Nightlife entertainment is not having to stop having fun at midnight.

Ridiculous. This should be nation wide. Enough of the ridiculous nanny state and arcane alcohol sales prohibition laws.

 

Here is an example of madness. No one should drink alcohol. Absolute nonsense argument from an extreme minority viewpoint.

04.00 is not late in entertainment areas.

 

But in general yes, i agree. There will always be people opposed to any change.

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Teera Watcharapranee, Director of the Stop Drink Network Thailand (SDN), criticised the proposed extension of late-night alcohol hours to 4am, arguing that the decision prioritises economic interests over health. He said any review during the government’s six-month trial must rely on scientific data and research rather than economic projections. SDN plans to organise public forums across communities to assess local sentiment and increase awareness of the policy’s implications.

 

Teera said he opposed lifting alcohol-sale restrictions nationwide, insisting that any relaxation should be limited to designated zones or ‘sandbox’ areas.

 

How about this dork mind his own business instead?

...and so the inevitable flip-flopping begins.

 

Thailand - The hub of constantly messing things up!

 

Eric.

From that photo it looks like Chuwit Chantaros could do with a drink himself   😎

5 minutes ago, Stressed Eric said:

...and so the inevitable flip-flopping begins.

 

Thailand - The hub of constantly messing things up!

 

Eric.

Flip-flopping? Not yet. This is just the usual ultra-conservative anti-alcohol, anti-drugs, anti-everything fun Buddhist pressure groups (not the public) putting in their usual two cents worth. The pity is this whole chirade will probably end up as a restricted implimentation of 2-5 being lifted only in 'designated zones' and not nation wide and the midnight closing will be the case. Idiots continue to run the show.

46 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Every single person of drinking age in Thailand who would, for example like to buy a cold beer at 711 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon on a stinking hot day. Give me one good reason why this shouldn't be allowed to happen.

 

Buy the cold beer from any mom and pop store that is open.

Better to support them than the big corporations ahyways.

Quote

A reported 10% rise in drunk-driving incidents has further fuelled doubts over the policy’s justification.

What, in the last 2 days since it was announced?

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Why not common sense?? Alcohol buying only for persons of 21 yrs old or so and with id if there is doubt about the age... Entertainment venues open till 1 am or 2 am.... A good working RTP with strict controls and high fines and punishments, instead of 500 THB or so by driving when drunk,, but there is a lack of everything..People in Thailand are too conservative to even change the selling ban from 2 to 5, no common sense, and the RTP is not working, and the entertainment industry is addicted to long opening hours

To this day I have never heard one local complain about the alcohol law in Thailand, only foreigners, and those  in the bar and restaurant business. 

 

Thais do not care

 

11 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Buy the cold beer from any mom and pop store that is open.

Better to support them than the big corporations ahyways.

How about respecting the country you visit, it is just some few hours, 

 

7 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Buy the cold beer from any mom and pop store that is open.

Better to support them than the big corporations ahyways.

It's not the point is it? This is about getting rid of arcane laws not about supporting your local M&P shop over big corporations. Sure given the choice I may very well buy a cold beer from a M&P shop rather than 711 and I regularly do but doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to buy a beer from a 711 I'm going past at 3 in the afternoon and would like to quench my thirst with a can of cold beer. 

6 minutes ago, Hummin said:

 

 

How about respecting the country you visit, it is just some few hours, 

 

 

I do, by supporting  the mom and pop stores !

1 hour ago, flaming dragon said:

Who does the current restrictions affect?  Tourists, casual drinkers and poor people.  My estimation is that they want to limit the poor people's access to booze. Regular drinkers with cash will keep a supply at home, tourists will wait until 5pm or go to a bar or restaurant and casual drinkers just shrug their shoulders and drink something else instead. 

No, just tourists. I can get anything at any time. Poor people are off grid with lao khao anyway. Only the big stores with internet connected billing are affected.

4 minutes ago, Hummin said:

To this day I have never heard one local complain about the alcohol law in Thailand, only foreigners, and those  in the bar and restaurant business. 

 

Thais do not care

 

How about respecting the country you visit, it is just some few hours, 

 

Nonsense. Thais don't complain because they no there's no point. This doesn't mean they don't think the law is stupid. Every Thai I know thinks it is. As for respecting the country you visit (or for most of us on here live in) this again is nonsence as Thais and expats well know they can buy alcohol as soon as the local shop opens until it closes and often do just that. 

1 minute ago, dinsdale said:

Nonsense. Thais don't complain because they no there's no point. This doesn't mean they don't think the law is stupid. Every Thai I know thinks it is. As for respecting the country you visit (or for most of us on here live in) this again is nonsence as Thais and expats well know they can buy alcohol as soon as the local shop opens until it closes and often do just that. 

 

You have your opinion and experiences, I got mine, and Im happy to say, Im not bothered by any stupid law or regulation in Thailand. 

 

As you say, you have a way around it, and seriously what is your real problem ?

Buying from M&P stores is fine, I'm lucky that the small stores stock a wide variety of beers. Was visiting Isaan and couldn't locate any of my fav brand. had to settle for Leo.

Just now, EVENKEEL said:

Buying from M&P stores is fine, I'm lucky that the small stores stock a wide variety of beers. Was visiting Isaan and couldn't locate any of my fav brand. had to settle for Leo.

Gotta love Leo 😄 

Just now, Hummin said:

Gotta love Leo 😄 

 

Goes good in a tall glass with a shot of vodka and some cubed ice!

1 minute ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Goes good in a tall glass with a shot of vodka and some cubed ice!

 

No comment 

Just now, Hummin said:

Gotta love Leo 😄 

Used to, but my taste has changed again. I now favor Heinekin.

1 minute ago, EVENKEEL said:

Used to, but my taste has changed again. I now favor Heinekin.

After been home in Norway, and got used to darker beer and bayer again, I cant stand Heineken anymore. Heineken used to taste good in the heat, but now changed taste. Local beer never had a taste for really, Except Singha reserve was it after a long ride in the heat. 

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Alcohol buying only for persons of 21 yrs old or so and with id if there is doubt about the age.

 

Age really doesn't come into the equasion. It can be easily bi-passed using a legally aged friend.

Maybe it's because I'm retired and live in Nongprue, but what have people got against getting up and about at 6am? 
Enjoy the beautiful early morning with a walk, jog or bike for an hour ....sets you up for the day.
As mentioned, go to the small shops for buying alchol as they don't have time stamped receipts.
As for 4am partying? Been there - done it in Euroland, most people need drugs or waste time of an evening until going out around midnight.
Mainly, if there were functioning authorities party zoning would please everyone.
 

27 minutes ago, Hummin said:

 

You have your opinion and experiences, I got mine, and Im happy to say, Im not bothered by any stupid law or regulation in Thailand. 

 

As you say, you have a way around it, and seriously what is your real problem ?

Nice of you to share your 'if it doesn't bother me I don't care' attitude. As for accusing me of having a problem if you think someone who thinks arcane laws based on irrational policies should be scrapped means someone has a problem then guilty as charged.