Thailand’s Alcohol Control Committee has opened a public consultation on a draft regulation setting days when alcohol sales would be prohibited, with feedback accepted until 30 May 2026. The move signals a potential update to existing restrictions, while confirming that recent changes to daytime alcohol sales have not increased accident rates.

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The announcement follows the committee’s 2/2026 meeting on 5 May, chaired by Public Health Minister Patthana Prompat. Data reviewed covered the first 90 days after the lifting of alcohol sale restrictions between 14:00 and 17:00, comparing December 2025 to March 2026 with the same period the previous year. Officials reported no rise in overall accidents, including during the 14:00 to 20:00 window where impacts had been anticipated.

The draft regulation proposes banning alcohol sales on five major Buddhist holidays: Magha Puja Day, Visakha Puja Day, Asalha Puja Day, Buddhist Lent Day, and the end of Buddhist Lent Day. However, exemptions would apply to specific locations, including international airport terminals, licensed entertainment venues, certain tourist-area businesses, licensed hotels, and venues hosting major national or international events.

Authorities emphasised that alcohol is not considered an ordinary product and requires controls to limit harm related to health, accidents and crime. Restricting availability on key days is aligned with recommendations from the World Health Organization as an effective measure to reduce alcohol-related risks. Businesses granted exemptions would still need to implement screening measures to maintain order, ensure safety and prevent underage access.

The update is also driven by legal changes under the Alcohol Beverage Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 (2025), which came into force on 8 November 2025. The amendment shifted authority for issuing such regulations from the Prime Minister to the Alcohol Control Committee, requiring existing rules to be revised accordingly.

ThaiRath reported that public input gathered through the central legal system website will inform the final version of the regulation. The Department of Disease Control has also been tasked with continuing to monitor health impacts, suggesting further adjustments could follow based on evidence.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thairath 6 May 2026

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41 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Data reviewed covered the first 90 days after the lifting of alcohol sale restrictions between 14:00 and 17:00, comparing December 2025 to March 2026 with the same period the previous year. Officials reported no rise in overall accidents, including during the 14:00 to 20:00 window where impacts had been anticipated.

The alcohol ban between 14:00 and 17:00 was never installed to reduce traffic accident, it was installed to reduce public servant from drinking after their lunch break...

The official explanation is that during Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn's term in office, the Revolutionary Council decided in 1972 to limit the sale of alcohol in stores to certain times, allegedly both because many officials failed to show up for work due to hangovers, and some public employees spent their afternoons drinking, instead of returning to work after lunch, which is why the sale and serving of alcohol in the afternoon hours was banned.

Most of the rest of the world do not have a ban on specific days. We do not see any untoward problems in those countries on holidays etc. I think once again Thailands politicians are creating a problem rather than solving one. In predominatly catholic countries they do use the excuse that because it is a feast day liquor should be banned. Maybe they should follow Muslim law which seems to vary from country to country.

15 hours ago, khunPer said:

The alcohol ban between 14:00 and 17:00 was never installed to reduce traffic accident, it was installed to reduce public servant from drinking after their lunch break...

The official explanation is that during Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn's term in office, the Revolutionary Council decided in 1972 to limit the sale of alcohol in stores to certain times, allegedly both because many officials failed to show up for work due to hangovers, and some public employees spent their afternoons drinking, instead of returning to work after lunch, which is why the sale and serving of alcohol in the afternoon hours was banned.

...and this article doesn't say it was about reducing accidents. One of the oppositions talking points was the expected rise in accidents. That didn't happen...