Thailand has long been a popular spot for young gap year travellers who – let’s face it – aren’t usually ones to turn down a drink. Despite its reputation, Thailand is actually pretty strict when it comes to alcohol, drugs, and general debauchery, and things are only getting stricter as a new law means that daytime drinking could become a thing of the past.
Until very recently, most Thai businesses were prohibited from selling alcohol during restricted hours. However, there was nothing to stop you buying a pack of beers at 1.30pm and slowly sipping until the clock strikes five, then heading back for more – but all of that changed this week.
Since Saturday (November 8), anyone selling, buying or drinking alcohol in an unlicensed premises is breaking the law. This is a pretty significant shift, sharing responsibility that was previously only held by businesses with consumers for the first time.
The government hopes that the law will improve public safety. It comes with tightening of rules surrounding advertising – influencers and celebrities can’t endorse or appear in ads for alcohol anymore. It also comes after news that the country is cracking down on weed tourism.
Here’s everything you need to know about Thailand’s strict new daytime drinking laws to ensure you stay out of trouble.
When can I drink in Thailand?
You’re permitted to drink between 11am and 2pm, and then from 5pm until midnight. Outside of those hours, unless you’re in a licensed building, a single sip could theoretically get you into trouble.
Officials have cautioned that you could even get fined for drinking inside your own home/hotel room/Airbnb if a noise complaint is made by a neighbour, so if you are breaking the rules in a private residence, make sure to be discreet about it.
Are there any exceptions?
Some places, like certain hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, are ‘authorised areas’, and therefore allowed to serve alcohol throughout the day. You won’t get in trouble for drinking in these places.
What’s the punishment if you get caught?
You could be charged with a fine of up to B10,000 (around €266) each time you’re caught with a drink in hand.
What do locals think of these new restrictions?
The reception has been mixed. Some people are in support, agreeing that this will improve general wellbeing and help people make more healthy decisions. But others, particularly business owners, are concerned that it could negatively impact the hospitality industry. They fear that tourists could be put off visiting, or encouraged to spend less money on drinks, and argue that the rules on what counts as an ‘authorised’ location are not clear enough.
The government insists the law will improve public safety and that it wants to encourage ‘responsible drinking, not prohibition’.
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