Thailand has officially ended its decades-old ban on afternoon alcohol sales, marking a significant shift in the country’s tourism and nightlife policies. The move arrives right as Thailand heads into peak year-end holiday season, giving bars, convenience stores, and entertainment districts a much-needed boost.
The regulation—originally introduced in 1972 under military rule—restricted the sale of beer, wine, and spirits between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. For more than five decades, the exact reasoning behind the ban remained unclear, even to government officials.
Now, Thailand is pressing reset.
What Changes Now?
According to the amendment published in the Royal Gazette, consumers can legally purchase alcoholic beverages from:
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight)
Nightlife venues, however, may continue serving customers until 1:00 a.m.
The government has approved the change on a 180-day trial basis, during which officials will monitor:
- drunk-driving incidents
- tourism revenue
- business performance
- public safety outcomes
Why the Ban Was Lifted
Officials say lifting the ban is aimed at boosting:
- holiday tourism, which already peaks between November and January
- hospitality and nightlife sectors, especially post-pandemic recovery
- convenience stores and small local businesses
- international visitor spending
Thailand’s tourism-driven economy has long pushed against the afternoon ban, calling it outdated and inconsistently enforced. Airports, high-end hotels, and entertainment venues often received exemptions, while small shops were penalized — creating uneven enforcement across the country.
Lingering Concerns
Not everyone is cheering.
Public health advocates warn that longer access to alcohol could increase:
- drunk driving
- alcohol-related injuries
- late-night disturbances
Thailand remains a predominantly Buddhist country, and although drinking is culturally common, religious doctrines discourage intoxication.
The government has said it will evaluate data during the trial period before making the policy permanent.
A Post-Pandemic Reset
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Thailand temporarily banned alcohol sales entirely in many provinces to limit social gatherings and reduce the spread of the virus. These measures significantly impacted tourism and nightlife businesses, many of which never fully recovered.
This latest move is seen as part of a broader national strategy to stimulate tourism, nightlife, and hospitality — all of which are central pillars of Thailand’s economy.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/
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