According to the statement, the committee deemed it appropriate to extend permitted sales hours to better reflect current circumstances, reports the Bangkok Post.
One of the most significant changes in the announcement is the extension of alcohol sales hours from 11am until midnight.
The revision forms part of Thailand’s broader effort to modernise its alcohol regulations after authorities previously launched a 180-day trial easing the decades-old afternoon sales ban introduced in 1972.
While the move was intended to support tourism and retail activity, it has also sparked concerns over drink-driving and underage access to alcohol.
At the same time, authorities have imposed stricter restrictions in sensitive public areas, signalling an attempt to balance more flexible sales regulations with tighter targeted controls.
The latest announcement, issued by Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health and chairman of the Alcohol Control Committee, was signed on May 27 and stated the following:
Article 1. This announcement shall come into effect on the day following its publication in the Royal Gazette.
Article 2: The announcement of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee regarding the prohibition of alcohol sales hours, dated Dec 1, 2025, is hereby revoked.
Article 3. No person may sell alcoholic beverages at any time except between 11am and 12am, except in the following cases:
- Sales in passenger service buildings within airports serving international flights.
- Sales in service establishments which are in accordance with the opening and closing times of the service establishments as prescribed by the Service Establishments Act.
- Sales in hotels in accordance with the Hotel Act.
- Sales in specific areas designated for the sale of alcoholic beverages in places used for activities, meetings, exhibitions, trade shows, entertainment events or other similar activities or sales in food or beverage outlets located in areas permitted for the establishment of service establishments as specified by the Royal Decree on the Designation of Areas for the Establishment of Service Establishments in Rayong Province (No. 2) B.E. 2568
- It is located within the Eastern Aviation City Promotion Zone, as per the announcement of the Eastern Economic Corridor Development Policy Committee regarding the designation of the Promotion Zone: Eastern Aviation City, dated Feb 13, 2025, and the announcement of the Eastern Economic Corridor Development Policy Committee regarding the change of the Special Economic Zone: Eastern Aviation City (No. 1), dated Aug 28, 2025.
Article 4. Sellers of alcoholic beverages during the exempted hours as per Article 3 must implement necessary screening and safety measures to maintain social order, public safety and restrict access to alcoholic beverages for children and youth.
Screening measures and regulatory safeguards must still be implemented to maintain public order, ensure public safety and restrict minors’ access to alcoholic beverages.
THAILAND UPDATES RULES ON SALE AND CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL
Eight new regulations controlling the consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages in certain spaces and areas were announced in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, May 12, effective immediately, the Bangkok Post reported earlier this month.
All eight announcements are part of an update to the original law that dates from 2008, adjusting rules to become more relevant to the current era.
The eight updates are:
- Prohibition on the sale of alcoholic beverages on roads, on vehicles, or on vehicles located on a road.
- Prohibition on the sale of alcoholic beverages at train stations and on trains (except for special events held inside the air-conditioned halls of Bangkok Station).
- Prohibition on the sale or consumption of alcohol at public passenger piers and ferry terminals.
- Prohibition on the sale or consumption of alcohol at all passenger transport stations nationwide.
- Prohibition on the sale or consumption of alcohol within factory premises, except at liquor production plants, which may sell alcohol as part of their regular business and it allows tasting during the production process.
- Prohibition on the sale or consumption of alcohol in areas under the supervision and use of the government, state enterprises and other government agencies, except in areas designated as private residences, clubs or at traditional banquets.
- Prohibition on the sale or consumption of alcohol in public parks owned by state enterprises or other government agencies.
- Prohibition on the sale or consumption of alcohol in state enterprises or other government agencies.