Limited Alcohol Sales Now Permitted on Certain Thai Religious Holidays

To attract more tourists to Thailand, the Thai government has planned to permit alcohol to be sold temporarily on Thai Buddhist holidays in 2025. As recommended by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee, certain commercial venues and tourist attractions across Thailand will sell alcoholic beverages to foreigners and locals alike during these holidays. 

Which Thai Alcohol Sale Rule is being changed?

In February, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that the ban on selling alcoholic drinks from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and removing alcohol sales during Thai Buddhist holidays would be reviewed. Prompted by requests to lift restrictions, the Thai authorities are evaluating the impact of the alcohol ban on the tourist population.  

Based on its findings, the Thai government has proposed certain exemptions to the ban on alcohol sales, but currently, it is only for sale on certain holidays. Once amended, a few venues can sell alcohol on Thai Buddhist holidays, provided they screen customers, maintain safety standards, and restrict sales to anyone underage. 

Prasert Chantraruangthong, the Deputy Prime Minister, has spoken out about the potential benefits these amendments will bring to Thailand’s tourism industry, particularly at popular destinations such as Thonglor and Patpong. She added that this change will drive the government’s plans to turn 2025 into “the year of tourism” in Thailand. 

Where can alcohol be bought on Thai Buddhist Holidays?

Foreign and Thai nationals looking to purchase alcoholic beverages on Thai Buddhist holidays can only do so at select locations nationwide, which include: 

• International airports
• Nightlife venues
• Hotel establishments
• Chartered trains
• Tourist hotspots
• National or international event sites

The Public Health Ministry will announce the list of tourist hotspots and national/international events where alcohol can be sold, as the Interior Ministry and the Tourism and Sports Ministry recommended. The waiting hall of Hua Lamphong Station is an example of an approved location.

When will the new Alcohol Rule be in effect?

The new rule is expected to go into effect by May 11, 2025, which is known as Visaka Bucha Day. It will be active during all the 5 Thai Buddhist holidays during the year, which consist of the following: 

• Makha Bucha Day on February 12
• Visakha Bucha Day on May 11
• Asarnha Bucha Day on July 10
• Buddhist Lent Day on July 11
• End of Buddhist Lent on October 7

While the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee recently reviewed and approved the proposal, it has not been finalized yet. It still has to undergo a 15-day series of public hearings, be certified by the Minister of Public Health, and undergo a final assessment by the Prime Minister. 

The new regulations will become effective only after the Prime Minister signs them and they are published in the Royal Gazette. However, this process is expected to proceed without changes or delays. 

Will the daily restriction on alcohol sales in Thailand be changed?

The release of the limited alcohol sales rule will not affect the daily restriction on alcohol sales in Thailand. Prasert Chantraruangthong claims that due to legal complications, businesses will still be restricted from selling alcohol from 2 pm to 5 pm. 

For the changes to take effect, the Thai government must amend or revoke the law mandating the daily restriction on alcohol sales separately. While many have voiced concerns about this ruling and called for its repeal, the government has not made any concrete moves yet. 

Traveling in or out of Thailand during this year’s Thai Holidays?

If you want to visit the Kingdom during the Thai holidays, contact Siam Legal for professional assistance in securing a Thai visa. As a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience in helping foreigners with their immigration needs, our team of experts has the knowledge and expertise to ensure you can travel to Thailand quickly and smoothly. 

Our qualified, bilingual visa consultants will submit your visa application for you, so you can rest assured that your travel plans will be successful. 

Contact Siam Legal and book a consultation today to ensure a convenient, seamless trip into or out of Thailand without disruptions.

Category: Thailand Law