Why can't you buy alcohol between 2pm and 5pm in Thailand?
As of December 2025, Thailand is trialing the removal of its 1972 ban on afternoon alcohol sales (2 pm to 5 pm) to boost tourism, meaning sales are now permitted from 11:00 am to midnight. Previously, this restriction was enforced to prevent government employees from drinking during work hours, which sometimes resulted in a 10,000-baht fine for violators.Why can't you buy alcohol in Thailand between 2:00 and 5:00 PM?
Liquor stores, restaurants and other accredited establishments can now sell beer, wine and spirits from 14:00 to 17:00 as part of a six-month trial. The ban, which came into force in 1972, was primarily introduced to stop government employees from drinking during work hours.What is the new alcohol rule in Thailand?
Under the new rules, the sale of alcoholic beverages is only allowed between 11am–2pm, 2pm–5pm, and 5pm–midnight, with the 2pm–5pm window approved on a trial basis for 180 days.What time does 7-Eleven sell alcohol in Thailand?
You can only buy alcohol in Thailand from 11am– 2pm, and 5pm – midnight. During hours alcohol is not allowed to be sold 7-Eleven stores pull silver curtains / shutters that cover up the beers and other alcoholic drinks.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.15 Prohibited and Restricted Items in Thailand - Don't Bring These With You!
Can you drink in the afternoon in Thailand?
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.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 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.Can you drink on the beach in Thailand?
In public places (parks, beaches) the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.Did Thailand reverse its alcohol ban after tourism backlash?
Thailand has lifted its 53-year-old ban on afternoon alcohol sales, scrapping the long-standing 2pm–5pm blackout in a major policy reversal aimed at boosting tourism and easing decades of confusion for retailers and travellers.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.
Can I bring alcohol in checked luggage?
Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags.What is restricted in Thailand?
Restricted ItemsCigarettes, 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.
Do supermarkets sell alcohol in Thailand?
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.What holidays are alcohol bans in Thailand?
Below is a list of Thailand's annual alcohol prohibition dates:- Maka Bucha Day (February/March): Is the third full moon of the year, roughly ending in February and starting in March. ...
- Visakha Bucha Day (May/June): Is the 6th full moon of the year—roughly at the end of May and the start of June.
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.Can I kiss in public in Thailand?
As such, public displays of affection are frowned upon by most Thais. While it is acceptable to hold the hand of your other half in public, kissing and hugging should not be done; in temple grounds, everything, even holding hands, is considered quite improper.What if you drink tap water in Thailand?
Several contaminants regularly found in Thailand's tap water include: Bacteria and Viruses: High risks of harmful organisms like E. coli, Salmonella, Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, and Norovirus can lead to severe gastrointestinal illnesses. Parasites: Giardia and Cryptosporidium, known to cause diarrhoea and stomach cramps.What is the new drinking law 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.Does 7-Eleven sell alcohol in Thailand?
🍺 Can I buy alcohol in 7-Eleven Thailand? Yes, but not all the time. Alcohol is sold only in certain hours: usually 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–24:00. If you come in morning you may see beer on shelf but cashier will not sell it.Is drunk driving illegal in Thailand?
Driving Under the Influence of AlcoholThe new rules set the legal blood-alcohol content limit at 20 milligrams per deciliter for drivers under 20 years old, provisional license holders, and those driving without a valid license. For drivers over 50, the limit is 50 milligrams per deciliter.