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Alcohol sales in Thailand: Government plans crucial changes!
The Thai government is planning major reforms to alcohol legislation, including lifting bans on sales and expanding opening hours.
Alcohol sales in Thailand: Government plans crucial changes!
Something is happening in Thailand - especially in the world of alcohol sales. The government has big plans to review and revise existing alcohol zoning regulations. On October 22, 2025, the Thai government announced that it would repeal the zoning regulation for the sale of alcohol. In the future, service providers will be allowed to open until 4:00 a.m. instead of only until 2:00 a.m. as before. In addition, the ban on the sale of alcohol between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. will be abolished. This means that beverage consumption in bars and restaurants will be made more flexible in order to better meet the needs of guests. Line Today reports that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul sees the removal of zoning as easy to implement.
The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Health were commissioned to further discuss and advise on these plans. The aim is to implement these regulations quickly by the end of January 2026, before parliament is dissolved. The intended measure not only promises relief for the catering industry, but also a significant increase in tax revenue. At least 200 billion baht in additional tax revenue is expected for the state coffers every year, which could be generated by the new regulations.
New legislation and control mechanisms
Another important point in the revision of alcohol legislation is the decentralization of decision-making power to provincial committees. This means that provinces should be given more authority over zones and specific regulations, making it easier to adapt regulations locally. Loud The farang The drafts are already 80 percent completed and should be presented to parliament in mid-December 2024. These efforts are due to the worrying increase in alcohol consumption, particularly among women, and the associated health risks.
In order to minimize excessive consumption and its negative effects, such as traffic accidents, the revised legislation will also impose stricter controls on the promotion of alcohol. Important regulations include the involvement of young people and representatives of provincial administrative organizations in decision-making processes in order to promote responsible drinking among the population.
“No Booze Days” and alcohol sales times
An interesting innovation that will come into force from 2025 are the “No Booze Days”. The sale of alcohol in shops, restaurants and hotels is prohibited on certain religious and national holidays. Important dates this year include Makha Bucha Day on February 12th and Visakha Bucha Day on May 11th. Entertainment facilities will also remain closed on these days, which is intended to support compliance with the rules. Here is an overview of the important “No Booze Days”:
| Date | event |
|---|---|
| February 12th | Makha Bucha Day |
| May 11th | Visakha Bucha Day |
| July 10th | Asarnha Bucha Day |
| July 11th | Wan Khao Phansa |
| October 7th | Wan Awk Phansa |
In addition to No Booze Days, there are specific sales times. Alcohol can be sold from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. In tourist areas, sales can even be extended until 4:00 a.m. However, there are also restrictions: people under the age of 20 are not allowed to buy alcohol, while consumption under the age of 18 is completely prohibited. Visiting bars and clubs is also not permitted for those under 21. The government is trying to promote responsible alcohol consumption in society, while at the same time boosting tourism and the local economy.
Overall, it appears that Thailand is on a new path to alcohol regulation that takes into account both consumer needs and health concerns. Thailand Sun will continue to closely monitor developments in this area.