Table of Contents
Origins and plans for rule change
The rules change back and forth
What does it mean for tourists?
Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
Thailand
may be known as a laid-back holiday destination, full of beach parties, nightlife and friendly culture
tourists
.However, behind this carefree image, the White Elephant Country has quite strict alcohol regulations, including a ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks from 14.00 to 17.00.
This rule, which has been in effect since 1972, is currently being discussed to be completely abolished.If approved, the ban, which often confuses tourists, could disappear as soon as early December.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
Origins and plans for rule change
The ban on selling alcohol in the afternoon was initially implemented to prevent civil servants from drinking during working hours.However, according to the Thai government, this reason is no longer relevant.
Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram explained that the policies from the 70s were no longer appropriate to current conditions.
“That period has passed, so this ban should be lifted,” he said, quoting
EuroNews
.
Thailand’s National Alcohol Policy Committee and Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee have proposed lifting the ban and opening public consultations for 15 days.If this process goes smoothly, the Prime Minister’s office will announce its official decision in the near future.
Behind this plan to reform alcohol regulations, there is the government’s concern about declining tourism performance.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand estimates the country will have just 33.4 million tourists arriving in 2025, down about 6 percent from the previous year.This is the first annual decline in a decade, outside of the pandemic.
Projections for 2026 are also not entirely encouraging.Although visits are predicted to rise slightly to 34 million, tourist spending per trip is expected to remain low.
The government is also looking for ways to make Thailand more visitor-friendly.According to Sophon, lifting this ban could boost the economy and tourism, especially at peak moments such as New Year and the Songkran festival.
The rules change back and forth
Thailand does have a unique track record regarding alcohol regulations, often changing and sometimes returning to old patterns.
The 14.00-17.00 ban, which is more than 50 years old, has often been tightened or relaxed by different governments.
Just this month, the authorities reinstated the THB 10,000 fine for anyone caught drinking in a bar or restaurant outside permitted hours, including tourists who don’t know the rules.
Currently, alcohol may be sold between 11am-2pm and 5pm-12pm.Meanwhile, certain entertainment areas in large tourist destinations can serve guests until 04.00.
The plan to remove the afternoon ban is also included in discussions regarding the possibility of extending overall sales hours, although the government has not yet reached a final agreement.
What does it mean for tourists?
If the lifting of the ban is approved, tourists will no longer experience the awkward moment when they want to buy beer during the day but are rejected by the minimarket guard.
This change will also align the rules with the reality on the ground, especially in big cities like Bangkok or beach destinations that live late into the night.
For a country idolized for its spontaneity and freedom to enjoy holidays, looser rules are seen as helping Thailand maintain its position as one of the world’s favorite destinations.
With tourism stagnating, Thailand seems ready to make friendlier policies to attract tourists back to its beaches.
(tis/tis)
[Gambas:goldensamoyed Video]
Read More: Synopsis of Who Am I, Trans TV Cinema 21 November 2025
Read More: Trump Sets November 27 as Deadline for Ukraine Peace Plan
