BANGKOK – The Government is already experiencing a strong pushback from local restaurants and drinks venues against the revised Alcohol law. Owners say the ban on lingering at tables during restricted hours, combined with limits on drinking after 14.00 and at night not beyond 24.00, will hit income hard and clash with the government’s economic stimulus plans.
The Alcohol Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 took effect on 8 November 2568, updating the original 2008 law to reflect current conditions. A key change prohibits anyone from consuming alcohol at places where alcohol is sold or served for commercial purposes during the hours when sales are banned.
Breaching Section 32 is an administrative offence, with fines up to 10,000 baht. The restricted periods for alcohol sales are midnight to 11 am, and 2 pm to 5 pm. Staying on to drink after midnight, or between 2 pm to 5 pm, could be treated as a violation and lead to a fine.
Ms Sunitra Ugraisa, who runs a restaurant in Khon Kaen, said the impact of this archaic law happened immediately. Customers who used to keep their seats after 2 pm will no longer be allowed to stay, so revenue will fall.
Once drinking time is limited, side dishes and snacks will drop too, since people settle the bill and leave. Her customer base includes international visitors who usually order alcoholic drinks with their meals.
Rethink the Archaic Alcohol Law
Why bring in a rule like this? she asked. Small traders are hurting, while large hotels can keep selling. The government is pushing the Khon La Khrueng co-pay scheme, which is performing well, yet these time limits contradict that policy and leave only a short window to sell.
Since Khon La Khrueng Plus launched, her sales have risen by over 50 percent, and on some days, have almost doubled. The new alcohol curbs will cut that income again.
She called on the government to rethink the archaic law. Lawmakers sit in air-conditioned rooms, she said, they are not at the stove working for each baht. The peak season is coming, with cool weather that suits social drinking. Tight hours feel like forcing shops to close. She wants a new approach that allows alcohol sales without time limits.
People who plan to drink will drink anyway. Some places already use insulated cups to sell discreetly. Customers prefer to drink openly, not in hiding. She respects the police who must follow policy, but asks for understanding for lawful businesses. If these rules stay, do not expect votes next time, she added.
A regular customer also objected. They usually order food with alcohol, and the 11.00 to 14.00 window creates confusion. If drinking runs past 2 pm, must customers stop at once or risk a fine? They disagree with the changes and believe many others feel the same.
Travel Tips for Visitors to Thailand
Thailand has introduced new alcohol rules, so plan to keep your trip smooth.
- Check local rules: Confirm that your bar, restaurant, or hotel holds a valid licence to sell alcohol or falls under an exemption. Sales restrictions apply in most areas, but not inside international airports.
- Plan your drinking hours: Sales are restricted between 2 pm and 5 pm. If you want an afternoon drink, time it carefully to avoid fines or hassle.
- Use exempt venues: International airports and many entertainment venues can sell alcohol during restricted hours. These places often run happy hours and deals aimed at tourists.
- Non-alcoholic activities: Thailand shines even without a drink. Think Phuket’s beaches, Chiang Mai’s trekking, and Bangkok’s Grand Palace.
- Stay informed: Rules may shift as the policy rolls out. Check with your hotel, tour guide, or local officials to avoid penalties.
- Booking hotels: If you would like to relax during no-alcohol hours, choose accommodation with care. International chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Accor tend to offer solid services and more flexibility around alcohol.
- Adjust your itinerary: Fill restricted hours with culture and nature. Thailand’s scenery, street markets, and historic sites make it easy to plan rich, alcohol-free afternoons.
Thailand’s new alcohol law is now in effect, with fines of up to THB 10,000 for drinking outside permitted hours. The 2 pm to 5 pm sales ban has raised concerns in tourism and hospitality about how it may affect visitor spending and habits.
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