Thailand Allows Afternoon Alcohol Sales in Historic Move

Thailand has officially lifted its decades-old restriction on afternoon alcohol sales, marking a major shift in the country’s alcohol regulations and a notable change for locals, tourists, and businesses.

The update was published in the Royal Gazette this week and will take effect as a temporary trial of 6 months.

What has changed?

For more than 50 years, Thailand has enforced a daily ban on alcohol sales between 2:00pm and 5:00pm, limiting legal sales to two periods: 11:00am–2:00pm and 5:00pm–midnight.

Under the new trial regulations:

• Retailers will be permitted to sell alcohol continuously from 11:00am to midnight
• The afternoon restriction between 2:00pm and 5:00pm is suspended
• The change applies nationwide during the trial period

The policy is designed as a temporary measure, with authorities monitoring its economic and social impact before deciding whether it will become permanent.

Why did Thailand have an afternoon alcohol ban?

The afternoon ban dates back to 1972, where it was originally introduced to discourage government employees and office workers from drinking during work hours. Over time, it became one of Thailand’s most criticised laws.

In practice however, the rule was frequently confusing for travellers and inconsistently enforced, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.

Why is the Thai Government changing these rules now?

The Thai government has framed the move as part of a broader effort to:

• Support the hospitality and tourism sector
• To stimulate economic activity during New Year celebrations
• Modernise outdated regulations that no longer align with current travel patterns

Tourism businesses in popular destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and the islands will of course welcome the move during one of the busiest periods of the year.

Concerns and criticism of the change

Not everyone supports the change however.

Public health groups have raised concerns about increased risks of drink-driving, alcohol-related accidents, and public safety issues, particularly during the holiday periods where alcohol consumption is already very high. According to the World Health Organisation, Thailand has some of the highest alcohol consumption rates in Asia. Local beers such as Chang and Singha, are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

The government has stated that enforcement and monitoring will remain in place throughout the trial period, with information collected to assess whether the benefits outweigh potential risks.

What does this mean for travellers?

For travellers visiting Thailand during the New Year period in 2025, the change means:

• Less interruption purchasing alcohol from Seven Eleven shops etc.
• Less confusion around legal sale times
• More consistency between bars, restaurants, and retail outlets

However, existing laws around drunk driving, public behaviour, and alcohol sales on religious holidays remain unchanged.

Will the alcohol sales ban change become permanent?

At this stage, the lifted ban is strictly a trial measure. The government will review economic impact data, public safety statistics, and enforcement outcomes before deciding whether to permanently remove the afternoon restriction.

If successful, the move could mark the end of one of Thailand’s longest-standing alcohol regulations, and signal a broader push toward modernising rules that impact tourism and daily life.