What time do they stop selling alcohol in Bangkok?

As of December 2025, alcohol sales in Bangkok, Thailand, are permitted from 11:00 AM to midnight at shops, supermarkets, and convenience stores, following the temporary lifting of the 2 PM – 5 PM afternoon ban. While sales stop at midnight, some licensed venues in designated nightlife zones may serve until 1 AM.

How late can you buy alcohol in Bangkok?

The overall rule is that alcoholic beverages can only be sold during the hours of 11:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 00:00 (midnight) every day at stores and supermarkets.

Is Thailand banned drinking at 2 5pm?

🥂🇹🇭 Thailand just lifted its 2–5 PM alcohol ban after 53 years! The rule—introduced in 1972 to keep civil servants from drinking during office hours—is now suspended for a 180-day trial to support tourism. You can now purchase alcohol continuously from 11 AM to midnight at shops, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

What time can you drink alcohol in Thailand restaurants?

They articulated that Thailand's Alcoholic Beverage Control Act restricts service to specific hours: generally 11:00 AM–2:00 PM and 5:00 PM–midnight.

Is Thailand temporarily lifts its afternoon alcohol sales ban for tourists?

Thailand has temporarily lifted its decades old afternoon alcohol sales ban to help stimulate tourism. Approved venues can now sell alcohol from 14:00 to 17:00 under a six-month pilot programme. The 1972 ban originally aimed to prevent government employees from drinking during work hours.

Thailand News Today | Bangkok is easing its rules on alcohol sales

What is the new alcohol rule in Thailand?

Starting 8 November 2025, Thailand will begin fining customers — not just venues — for drinking alcohol outside legal hours. The new penalty is up to ฿10,000 (about A$470) and applies to people found drinking in pubs and bars after service must stop under national rules.

Why is alcohol not sold between 2 and 5 in Thailand?

An afternoon ban on selling beer, spirits and wine was enacted in 1972, when Thailand was under military rule, though the original reasons for the measure are now obscure. Thailand is predominantly Buddhist and the religion discourages imbibing intoxicating substances, though drinking is common.

What is the alcohol curfew in Thailand?

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.

Does Big C sell alcohol in Thailand?

Big C Supercenter is one of the biggest supermarket chains in Thailand. At their Ratchadamri store in Bangkok, you'll find all the products you'd expect: fresh produce, home appliances, discount fashion and a large alcohol selection.

What is the fine for drinking in Thailand?

Alcohol sales in Thailand have been banned between the hours of 2pm and 5pm at most retail outlets and supermarkets since 1972, but changes to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act that take effect on Saturday now mean individuals can be fined 10,000 baht (US$300) or more for drinking or being served alcoholic beverages ...

What am I not allowed to bring into Thailand?

The following are some examples of prohibited goods:

• Narcotics.
• Pornographic materials.
• Counterfeit trademark goods and IPR infringing goods.
• Fake notes or coins.
• Reserved animals or CITES-listed wildlife.

Does 7-Eleven sell alcohol in Bangkok?

If you're planning to buy alcohol from 7-Eleven stores in Thailand, it's important to be aware of the country's strict alcohol sale regulations. Remember, alcohol is only sold during specific hours: from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and again from 5:00 PM to midnight.

Can you drink on the beach in Thailand?

In public places (parks, beaches) the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. But the police are lenient towards violation of this prohibition.

What is the meaning of Big C in Thailand?

Big C (Thai: บิ๊กซี) A Big C Supercenter is a hypermarket targeting mid-to-low income customers. There are 138 Big C Supercenters in Thailand and one in PoiPet, Cambodia as of 2022.

Which alcohol is famous in Thailand?

Sang Som Rum – Thailand's Pride

Sang Som is perhaps the most iconic name in Thai liquor. Since its 1977 launch, this molasses-distilled golden rum has attracted a loyal following, celebrated for its smooth, lightly spiced, and subtly sweet taste. It has even won international awards for its quality and taste.

Is 18 a minor in Thailand?

In Thailand, a child is an unmarried person under 18 years old, while a youth is between the ages of 18 and 25 years. According to another law, a person under 20 years old is a minor. There is no specified age of consent for sexual activity. The general legal age of consent in the Civil Code is 20 years old.

What is the new drinking rule in Thailand?

New law in Thailand bans alcohol sales to intoxicated individuals. Stores must compensate for damages if violated. A new regulation prohibits alcohol sales to individuals who are already intoxicated.

What is restricted in Thailand?

Restricted Items

Cigarettes, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages, which are subject to quantity limits: Up to 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco. Up to 1 liter of alcohol.

Can you drink in Thailand in the afternoon?

Until the recent change, alcohol sales were allowed from 11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to midnight. Venues in designated nightlife zones in major tourist areas can legally serve drinks until 4 am. Now, the three-hour afternoon ban has been removed.

Do they check ID in Thailand?

The circumstances when police check ID of foreign tourists is usually for traffic offences like not wearing a motorbike helmet or jumping a red-light. If you do get asked for ID by Thai police always be polite and respectful.

Can I go clubbing at 18 in Thailand?

The minimum age for clubbing in Thailand is generally the same as the legal drinking age, which is 20 years old. However, some clubs may allow entry to those aged 18 and above, although they may still enforce the legal drinking age of 20 for alcohol consumption.

What days are there no alcohol in Thailand?

Awk Phansa happens in October and the Thai government often designates this day as a no alcohol day.

• Makha Bucha (February/March)
• Visakha Bucha (May/June)
• Asahna Bucha (July/early August)
• Wan Khao Phansa (July/early August)

Does it need to be 5pm to buy alcohol in Thailand?

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 • Thailand introduces new alcohol sale hours from 11am to midnight • A new 2pm–5pm sales window approved on a 180- day trial basis • Provincial committees tasked with assessing the impact and reporting back Thailand has introduced new nationwide alcohol sale hours, with the ...

What are the strict laws in Thailand?

Thailand has strict laws against drug use, possession and trafficking. Possessing small quantities of illegal substances can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment. Possessing Class A drugs can lead to the death penalty.

What time can I buy alcohol in 7-11 Thailand?

There are strict licensing laws / alcohol trading laws in Thailand which all convenience stores and supermarkets must adhere to including 7-Eleven. 7-Eleven in Thailand cannot sell beer, wine and spirits between 2pm and 5pm in the daytime – this is the same across all stores in Thailand.