CTN News – Restaurant owners in Thailand have asked Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to remove the 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. alcohol sales ban due to tourist complaints. The restauranteurs say a three-hour ban on alcohol sales is outdated and inhibiting business.
Mr Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, president of the Restaurant Business Club, wrote an open letter to the prime minister requesting that the government relax the prohibition on alcohol sales between 2 and 5 p.m. daily.
According to the letter, the three-hour ban has been in effect since 1972 and is troublesome for restaurant owners because foreign tourists frequently question why they can’t have a drink in the afternoon.
Mr Sorathep stated that the limitation is outdated and that lifting it will benefit the restaurant industry, economic growth, and the government’s efforts to boost tourism revenue.
The alcohol sales limit was imposed over five decades ago, supposedly to prevent some government officials from partying and drinking in the afternoon.
Understanding Thailand’s Outdated Alcohol Laws
Thailand has a unique mix of alcohol-related laws and regulations. As a traveller, you should know these rules to guarantee a pleasant and hassle-free experience. Thailand’s alcohol regulations, permissible sale periods, and legal drinking age.
Thailand’s alcohol laws cover a wide range of restrictions regarding the sale, buying, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Cultural, religious, and historical factors all impact these regulations. Visitors must respect and follow these laws to prevent legal issues during their stay in Thailand.
Thailand’s legal drinking age is 20 years old. This applies to both natives and tourists, and you must have a valid form of identification to prove your age while purchasing or consuming alcohol.
While alcohol is widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores, licensing laws and regulations restrict the selling of alcoholic beverages. One of Thailand’s alcohol regulations distinguishes itself by prohibiting the sale of alcohol on select days, mainly religious festivals.
Alcohol sales are forbidden between midnight and midnight on certain designated days. This regulation applies to retail businesses and bars, so plan your outings and purchases appropriately.
There are also particular time limits for alcohol sales. Alcohol sales are normally permitted in Thailand between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to midnight. It’s critical to remember these times so that you can buy alcohol during the approved sale hours.
In recent years, there have been discussions and adjustments to Thailand’s alcohol legislation.
Notably, there has been a shift in enforcing certain restrictions, including the relaxation of a long-standing prohibition on alcohol sales, which had been in place since 1972.
These developments highlight the dynamic character of Thailand’s alcohol restrictions and the significance of maintaining up-to-date on any changes throughout your visit.
When interacting with Thailand’s lively nighttime scene, it is critical to act properly and respectfully.
By becoming familiar with the local alcohol regulations and cultural standards, you can completely immerse yourself in Thailand’s diverse and exciting social experiences while remaining within the legal framework.
Finally, as you plan your trip to Thailand, you should know the country’s alcohol regulations, selling periods, and prohibitions. Respecting these restrictions and adopting local customs carefully allows you to enjoy Thailand’s nightlife while remaining legally compliant.
By Geoff Thomas
