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Thailand Eases Long-Standing Afternoon Alcohol Ban in Six‑Month Trial

Thailand has launched a six-month trial easing a long-standing afternoon alcohol sales ban, allowing retailers to sell beer, wine and spirits from 11:00 a.m. until midnight. The 2:00–5:00 p.m. restriction, originally aimed at preventing government employees from drinking during work hours, is being reassessed. Officials say the move suits the current context, but public health data — including nearly 33,000 drunk-driving deaths from 2019–2023 — has prompted caution. Early reactions in Bangkok were muted, with businesses reporting little immediate change.

09:31 PM, 12/03/2025Society
Thailand Eases Long-Standing Afternoon Alcohol Ban in Six‑Month Trial

Thailand has relaxed a decades-old restriction on afternoon alcohol sales, launching a six-month trial that allows wine, beer and spirits to be sold during hours that were previously off-limits.

What changed

Under the previous rule, retailers and drinking establishments were prohibited from selling alcohol between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The temporary measure now permits sales from 11:00 a.m. until midnight while a government committee monitors the trial's effects.

Why the rule existed — and why it was reviewed

The 2:00–5:00 p.m. ban was originally introduced to discourage government employees from drinking during work hours. Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram said the old rationale is less relevant today: "In the past, there were concerns that government employees would sneak out to drink, but it's a different time now."

Health Minister Pattana Promphat described the change as "appropriate to the present situation," in a statement published in the Royal Gazette.

Public health context

Thailand remains a predominantly Buddhist country and its alcohol regulations have cultural and moral roots. At the same time, the World Health Organization reports that Thailand has some of the highest alcohol consumption levels in Asia. WHO data also ranked Thailand 16th out of nearly 200 countries for road traffic deaths per capita in 2021.

Public health ministry figures show nearly 33,000 people were killed in drunk-driving incidents in Thailand between 2019 and 2023, a statistic that has prompted concern among health advocates and road-safety groups.

Local reaction

On the first day of the trial, many businesses in central Bangkok reported little immediate change. "There haven't been many people because customers still don't know about the new law," said a sales assistant at Gourmet Wine Cellar. At a 7-Eleven, shoppers were choosing soft drinks over alcoholic options despite signs advertising the extended hours.

At a mostly empty beer garden, a server said she had learned about the rule change on social media but added, "There's almost no change because we usually don't get any customers during this time."

Some travelers and locals had mixed views. A Thai marathon runner said the move would be "good for tourists," while a British visitor said he was unaware the ban had existed and questioned whether religious concerns were a factor.

What happens next

The trial will run for six months while authorities collect data on sales patterns, public safety and health impacts. A committee will evaluate the results before any decision is made on permanent changes.

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