Thailand is tightening alcohol regulations: drinking is now banned in the afternoon!

Thailand is tightening alcohol regulations: drinking is now banned in the afternoon!

Since the beginning of November, Thailand has drastically tightened its alcohol laws. The new regulatory framework is intended to help limit alcohol consumption during the day and increase public safety. More specifically, alcoholic beverages may now only be sold and consumed between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to midnight. Drinking outside of this time is considered a misdemeanor that can be punished for both bar and restaurant operators and guests. Violators face fines of up to 10,000 baht, which is around 250 euros oe24 reports.

This could be a big change, especially for tourists. The new regulations on alcohol consumption also apply to holidaymakers, who were certainly used to the previous practice of enjoying a beer or a cocktail during the day. How Berliner Zeitung informed, there is still a general ban on the sale of alcohol between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., which affects not only locals but also visitors.

Background of the regulation

The strict regulations on alcohol consumption in Thailand are based on cultural, religious and health policy aspects. About 95 percent of the Thai population practices Buddhism, which views excessive alcohol consumption as a violation of Buddhist virtues. That is why there are existing laws that set both time limits on sales and advertising restrictions on alcoholic beverages. There is also a strict ban on sales on public holidays and election days, so the government is trying to curb alcohol abuse, such as Berliner Zeitung continues to report.

These changes come in a country that has for decades imposed high taxes on alcohol and set a minimum drinking age of 20. Critics, such as MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn of the People's Party, have expressed concern that the new regulations could cause confusion among tourists and negatively impact Thailand's reputation as a tourism destination. The opposition is not particularly keen on the strict rules and is instead calling for the possibility of selling alcohol around the clock.

Exceptions to the rules

However, there are exceptions to these rules. Alcohol may be served outside of established hours in licensed hotels, international airports and approved tourist and entertainment zones. These regulations aim to accommodate both the local population and tourists while respecting the country's cultural traditions.

Overall, it shows that Thailand is not only a popular holiday paradise, but also a country that holds firmly to its cultural customs. With these new regulations, the general conditions for drinking alcohol during a holiday there could change significantly. It remains to be seen how this will affect tourism and everyday life in the country.