Thailand Enacts ‘Daytime Drinking Ban’… No Exceptions for Tourists

Thailand has implemented a new liquor management law effective from the 8th, prohibiting daytime drinking. According to Thai media NDTV, the law bans alcohol consumption from 2 PM to 5 PM; violators could face fines up to 10,000 baht (approximately 450,000 KRW). Previously, alcohol sales were prohibited during these hours in Thailand, but the revision now includes ‘consumers’ as well as ‘sellers’ as targets for penalties. Consequently, everyone, including tourists, cannot drink alcohol during the prohibited hours. Even ordering beer at 1:59 PM and consuming it until 2:05 PM could be considered illegal, subjecting the individual to fines. This measure reflects the government’s resolve to manage public order and health issues. However, Thai Restaurant Association President Chanon Guecharoen strongly opposed the law, arguing that it could nearly halve afternoon sales for restaurants. He called for practical solutions, emphasizing that afternoon sales are significant for restaurants in tourist-heavy areas like Bangkok and Phuket. Exceptions apply to hotels, airports, and entertainment venues certified by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), where drinking remains permissible. Thus, while daytime drinking is banned in public places and street stalls, it is allowed at hotel pool bars or international airport lounges. Opposition People’s Party lawmaker Tao Pipop Limjitrakon criticized the law as reflecting intentions to tighten alcohol regulations, hindering the liberalization of the alcohol industry. Local media warned of potential confusion among tourists and declining industry revenues, suggesting that “a beer in the afternoon could cost more than a travel budget” for visitors.