Thailand to lift alcohol sales ban from 2pm to 5pm after committee decision

The National Alcohol Policy Committee has agreed to revoke the long-standing prohibition on alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm, a move aimed at stimulating tourism and increasing spending during festive periods such as New Year and Songkran.

Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum, who chairs the committee, announced the decision following its second meeting at Government House on Thursday, 14 November 2025.

The revised regulation is set to take effect 15 days after a period of public consultation and does not require cabinet approval.

Speaking after the meeting, Sophon said the original rationale for the sales ban—to prevent civil servants from drinking during office hours—was outdated.

“That era is over — government officials no longer drink in the afternoon,” Sophon said. “Today, officials do not go out drinking during working hours, so the ban should be lifted.”

The proposal to eliminate the afternoon ban follows pressure from business groups and the tourism sector, who argue that the restriction hampers hospitality-related revenues during high-demand seasons.

The tourism industry has also called for an extension of operating hours for nightlife venues, with some operators suggesting closing times be extended to 4am.

However, the Ministry of Public Health and health experts have voiced strong opposition, citing accident data showing a spike in road fatalities between 2am and 3am.

Sophon acknowledged these concerns and said the committee would continue consultations to reach a compromise on the issue of drinking hours.

Any extension would also need to align with regulations already established by the Ministry of Interior, which governs the operating hours of entertainment venues.

“People celebrate during festivals. If the state wants to encourage abstinence, it must offer incentives, not just impose bans,” Sophon added, noting that alcohol-free campaigns promoted by the Public Health Ministry must remain practical.

The final decision on extended drinking hours, whether to 2am or 4am, remains pending.

Sophon confirmed that a resolution from the committee would allow the change to be implemented through the Prime Minister’s Office, bypassing the need for cabinet approval.

The public will be invited to provide feedback for 15 days before the measure becomes official.

In addition to sales hours, the committee will review existing zoning rules that regulate alcohol sales near educational institutions.

The review will clarify whether the measured distance should begin from the school's outer fence or the building itself, an issue that has created enforcement inconsistencies in various jurisdictions.

Thailand’s alcohol policy continues to balance economic concerns with cultural and religious norms. As a predominantly Buddhist nation, many citizens follow the Five Precepts, which include refraining from consuming intoxicants.

The announcement marks a potential shift in Thailand’s approach to alcohol regulation, reflecting broader efforts to adapt longstanding laws to modern economic realities and social behaviours.