On 11/16/2025 at 7:30 AM, 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. 

 

Who does the current restrictions affect?

Pathetic alcoholic ex-pat pensioners who cannot wait a couple of hours for their fix.

 

On 11/16/2025 at 12:36 AM, ukrules said:

 

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

 

True - I came back from Vietnam war at age 19, wounded twice, messed up in the head, and still couldn’t legally drink in a bar, had to be 21 years old, even back in 1969.        Cheers

2 hours ago, portisaacozzy said:

how about respecting the tourist who come to your country ,pay a very large percentige  of your population,save up all year just leave a dark cold winter and ,sit on a beach with a few beers and relax. not much to ask for [ remember which side your bread is buttered on!

 

Nobody is holding a gun to the tourist head forcing them to come visit.

 

 

 

8 minutes ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

Who does the current restrictions affect?

Pathetic alcoholic ex-pat pensioners who cannot wait a couple of hours for their fix.

 

 

they 100% pathetic if they aint got a stash at home !

On 11/16/2025 at 9:43 AM, dinsdale said:

It's a matter of common sense over a rediculous law. Nothing to do with it being problematic. A person should be able to buy a can of beer from 711 mid-afternoon or mid-morning. There is no logical reason why this shouldn't be the case. This is not about me.

right, not even Muslim Countries like Malaysia or Indonesia have this kind of stupid laws. I also don't care about the drinking hours, but not being able to buy alcohol in the morning or in the afternoon makes shopping stressful. Now everybody who needs to buy beer, wine or spirits has to go shopping between 11.00 and 14.00h which is causing additional traffic and queues during lunch hours. Spreading shopping activities over the whole day would make much more sense, but we know, common sense is not very common.

It is almost laughable, most of the alcohol related accidents involve Thailanders, who can get cheap liquor from any mom-and-pop shop any time of the day, so the reformers are talking out of the side of their mouths.

A few campaigner groups is not "the Public,"! Mom & Pop shops sell booze anytime of the day (or most of them) it's the restaurants, main stream shops that adhere to the very outdated law (to stop politicians drinking) & as now 2025 want that law ammended - they have fair point 

50 minutes ago, Globalres said:

So as usual,  the majority must suffer inconvenience because a few cause problems!  It’s not the amount of liquor/wine/beer that YOU imagine people are stuffing their shopping bags with, shaking with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it’s the inconvenience of the majority having to adjust their weekly/monthly/daily shopping routine to suit a law that was set up due to some people causing a problem.  
As regards tourists, apparently a “must have” for Thailand, it is rather condescending to be refused a glass of wine with your late lunch and will cause snarky comments.

 

Are/were you an accountant BTW?

The society win when there is more sobriety, but I'm not here to convince you guys, who do not manage to look at this as a minor problem, with great benefits for the Thai society, especially women and children and vulnerable. 

 

It is like discussing the second amendment in USA the right to buy, own and carry weapons.

 

AI says

Discussing gun rights and alcohol regulations are comparable because both topics involve a long-standing public debate over regulating a personal freedom for public safety. Both the Second Amendment, concerning firearms, and alcohol regulations involve discussions about individual liberties versus government control, the role of public safety, and the interpretation of historical and legal precedents. 

 

 

I don't drink and even I think the 2 to 5 pm ban is crazy and should have been done away with years ago.

52 minutes ago, 818Pilot said:

I don't drink and even I think the 2 to 5 pm ban is crazy and should have been done away with years ago.

 

You must be very thirsty then.   

Are you a camel? 🐫

 

I do agree with you though..

15 hours ago, ericthai said:

simlair?? how do you get that??

No drinking of alcohol compared to no drinking allowed during a few hours. Also, you're talking like there was a change, but there has been no change.

This rule/law has been in place for decades. 

that is why I said similar. Similar can be a long way off from identical and in many ways.  Christ.  Why are so many people here nitpickers?

2 minutes ago, gk10012001 said:

that is why I said similar. Similar can be a long way off from identical and in many ways.  Christ.  Why are so many people here nitpickers?

To me it seems many haven't realized the nature of Thailand yet, or just forgot where they where, and what did upset them last week. 

 

The regulation isn't a problem for most normal people here at the forum. 

 

Whatever normal is

Post breaking forum rules removed.

 

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Why not start some kind of designated driver network where people could be matched with sober drivers that could help mitigate the drunk driving. It could be a good occupation for some sober people?

Challenges

Dealing with the behavior of uppredictable drunks.

setting a system of payment

regulatiing the designated drivers

intoxicated people stating clearly where they want to go

 

Could be done

Their country their rules

I bought 2 bottles of wine in Big C plus a lot of food shopping when the till lady came to the wine , cant have now 15 seconds  past 2 and till wont do it, I should have put  the wine on the coveyor first but it bloody stupid to have to leave the wine . Crazy backward thinking rules 

1 hour ago, jingjai9 said:

Why not start some kind of designated driver network where people could be matched with sober drivers that could help mitigate the drunk driving. It could be a good occupation for some sober people?

Challenges

Dealing with the behavior of uppredictable drunks.

setting a system of payment

regulatiing the designated drivers

intoxicated people stating clearly where they want to go

 

Could be done

Already done... they are called taxis

On 11/16/2025 at 1:35 AM, 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, 

 

Judging by the thumbs down on your post it looks like most of the selfish alcoholics here don't agree 🤔

 

It's pathetic really, they have 21 hours to get their drinks in from a 7-11 and can buy them at bars and restaurants anyway. If that ain't enough you really need to look at your life 🙏

7 minutes ago, pacman32 said:

Judging by the thumbs down on your post it looks like most of the selfish alcoholics here don't agree 🤔

 

It's pathetic really, they have 21 hours to get their drinks in from a 7-11 and can buy them at bars and restaurants anyway. If that ain't enough you really need to look at your life 🙏

"21 hours to get their drinks in from a 7-11"

Are you sure about that?

7 minutes ago, pacman32 said:

Judging by the thumbs down on your post it looks like most of the selfish alcoholics here don't agree 🤔

 

It's pathetic really, they have 21 hours to get their drinks in from a 7-11 and can buy them at bars and restaurants anyway. If that ain't enough you really need to look at your life 🙏

 

It's speaking for itself, and obviously touch a few touchy spines with my obvious provocations. 

 

Well we do not have a new thread every week about wine prices anymore, after they dropped their high taxation on wine. 

 

About time we had a serious thread about alcohol, so happy to weigh in and give the tread some common sense on top of the obvious. 

2 hours ago, jingjai9 said:

Why not start some kind of designated driver network where people could be matched with sober drivers that could help mitigate the drunk driving. It could be a good occupation for some sober people?

Challenges

Dealing with the behavior of uppredictable drunks.

setting a system of payment

regulatiing the designated drivers

intoxicated people stating clearly where they want to go

 

Could be done

 

Bolt ?

59 minutes ago, pacman32 said:

Judging by the thumbs down on your post it looks like most of the selfish alcoholics here don't agree 🤔

 

It's pathetic really, they have 21 hours to get their drinks in from a 7-11 and can buy them at bars and restaurants anyway. If that ain't enough you really need to look at your life 🙏

 

 

 

how do you get 21 hrs from sales times of 11.00am to 2.00pm and then 5.00pm to 12.00am ?

 

 

7 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

Who does the current restrictions affect?

Pathetic alcoholic ex-pat pensioners who cannot wait a couple of hours for their fix.

 

Those people tend to stock up. Why so bitter? Maybe you should take up drinking. 

8 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

 

 

how do you get 21 hrs from sales times of 11.00am to 2.00pm and then 5.00pm to 12.00am ?

 

 

 

Part of the AN brain trust/ gatekeepers brigade.  Could be former SAS as Thailand is rammed full of them. 

36 minutes ago, flaming dragon said:

Those people tend to stock up. Why so bitter? Maybe you should take up drinking. 

 

I'm sorry, did I hit a nerve?

 

Just now, Bert got kinky said:

 

I'm sorry, did I hit a nerve?

 

 

Not at all. I was taken aback by the vitriol and bitterness.  Some of the posters make me worry about what living here long term does to elderly brains.  Thankfully the bitter ones  don't leave their homes. Many are afraid of their own shadows. 

On 11/16/2025 at 4:11 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

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 

 

Afternoon-alcohol-ban-government-sets-six-month-lifting-trial

 

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

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Nationthailand 2025-11-16

 

 

 

 

 

I always wonder who are the complainants in these stories relating to extended booze hours.

 

I know it can't be Thai women for a start as the average Thai woman drinks very little and not very often, if at all. (I am not talking of the alcohol swigging bar/ex-bar girls which a lot of farangs end up with for whatever reason).

 

Is it the boozy farangs who are complaining as they have nothing better to do or maybe the association for hotels, bars and restaurants spokesman as it affecting profits ? (I don't know what the official title is).

 

I can think of far more pressing improvements Thailand can make to save the health/lives of Thai people, enforcing the wearing of crash helmets for ALL passengers on motorbikes for example. The banning of carrying ten people in the back of a pickup truck etc. 

 

Stopping twelve year old kids, four on a bike, riding from school to home each day. 

 

51 minutes ago, flaming dragon said:

 

Not at all. I was taken aback by the vitriol and bitterness.  Some of the posters make me worry about what living here long term does to elderly brains.  Thankfully the bitter ones  don't leave their homes. Many are afraid of their own shadows. 

 

Bitterness?

I'm not the one who is angry about the truth. 🤣 🤣 🤣

 

12 hours ago, BadSpottedDog said:

I have a Thai friend who owns a small hotel here. She is getting cancelations from foreigners because of all the unrealistic and bizarre changes on laws, visas, etc. The current nonsense is hurting the Thai economy.
Make it easy for foreigners to come here and keep laws sensible. Which brings me to my second point. The laws that DO exist are not policed. Like drunk driving or even serious traffic violations.
It's like the govt makes laws and pick which ones they will enforce and which ones they ignore.  

well...that is exactly how Thailand works! laws rules are selectively enforced. 

(you're a poor working Thai with no helmet good chance you wont get stopped, however a tourist with no helmet 97% chance you will get stopped, pay 300B-1000B and be on your way)

 

your friend is getting cancellations?? what recent changes were made that effect foreigners in a negative way? 

 

the alcohol rule/law has been in effect for decades. Recent Visa changes only made it easier to come to Thailand. 

 

 

 

11 hours ago, wavodavo said:

Why don't the government ditch all drinking hours and go back to the good old days like  patong in Phuket in the 90's where the bars and clubs stayed open until they had no more customers left and that could be 3 or 4 am.Usually it was the Thai owner or  night manager on deck then and they are there to make money so why should they have to turn away paying customers at a mandatoty closing time.Many times my mate and I would be the last ones left and would stagger back to our rooms at 4 or 5 am at the CNN after getting  a snack from a vendor on the way. There was very little trouble with violent drunks in the streets or bars  in those days.

 

well... that was the law back then too, but just like allot of things it wasn't enforced. I believe it was around 98-99 they started to enforce the rules more.

Also totally different times. Thailand was only getting 3-4 million visitors a year at that time! Now it's 30 million +/-