Thailand Tightens Alcohol Laws: Tourists Face Fines For Drinking During Banned Hours

Visitors to Thailand are being warned to watch the clock before ordering a drink, with new rules from November 8 allowing fines of up to 10,000 Thai Baht (AUD 470) for anyone caught drinking or purchasing alcohol during banned hours.Thailand’s Strict New Drinking RuleUnder Thailand’s long-standing alcohol laws, the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks are banned between 2 pm and 5 pm, and again from midnight until 11 am. Until now, these restrictions applied mainly to sellers. From Saturday, however, Thailand’s strict new drinking rules will also cover individual drinkers, allowing authorities to fine both locals and tourists who consume or purchase alcohol during the prohibited hours.Public Safety DriveThai officials say the tougher regulations are part of a broader push to reduce alcohol-related harm and improve public safety, especially in busy tourist hotspots such as Phuket, Bangkok, and Koh Samui. The government maintains that the measures align with ongoing public health campaigns aimed at curbing excessive drinking in nightlife districts and coastal resorts.The revisions fall under an updated version of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which not only tightens restrictions on when and where alcohol can be consumed but also expands oversight of marketing and advertising. First enacted in 1972, the law has now been strengthened to introduce harsher penalties and extend accountability beyond businesses to include individual drinkers.Exemptions For Hotels And Licensed VenuesTourists need not worry entirely, however—many hotels, licensed restaurants, and entertainment venues are exempt from the restrictions, meaning guests can still order alcohol legally within those establishments during the banned hours. Even so, Thai authorities are urging visitors to remain cautious and aware of the local regulations to avoid penalties during their stay.Thailand’s new alcohol regulations also impose strict limits on advertising. Only factual, informational content is permitted, while the use of celebrities, influencers, or public figures to promote alcoholic beverages for commercial purposes is prohibited. According to reports, the changes are expected to affect the hospitality sector, as customers—rather than just sellers—are now constrained by the designated sale hours, potentially creating challenges for restaurants and bars.Ironically, reports from March 2025 suggested that Thailand was considering revoking the ban on afternoon alcohol sales and loosening restrictions on alcohol advertising as part of broader efforts to liberalise the market and boost tourism. According to reports, the Thai House of Representatives had voted in favour of easing the restrictions, with the proposed changes now awaiting ratification by the Senate.FAQsWhat are the new Thai alcohol rules?From November 8, drinking or buying alcohol is banned between 2 pm–5 pm and midnight–11 am. The rules now apply to both individuals and sellers.Who can be fined?Both locals and tourists can face fines for consuming or purchasing alcohol during the restricted hours.How much is the fine?Up to 10,000 Thai Baht (≈AUD 470) per violation.Are there any exceptions?Yes, alcohol can still be served in licensed hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues during the banned hours.Why were these rules introduced?Thai authorities aim to reduce alcohol-related harm, improve public safety, and support public health campaigns in busy tourist areas like Phuket, Bangkok, and Koh Samui.5 Jurassic World Filming Locations In Thailand