National —
The long-standing alcohol sales ban between 2-5 PM will be lifted nationwide on July 1st but only in hotels, the Tourism and Sports Minister said today, June 17th, at the Center for Covid-19 Situation (CCSA) meeting.
According to Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the CCSA has agreed to lift the unpopular nationwide alcohol sales ban between 2 PM – 5 PM, starting this July 1st along with the other newest relaxations that have just been updated today, June 17th, by the CCSA.
Nevertheless, the change, according to the minister, will initially be limited to hotels that cater to tourists. Restaurants and tourist attractions may also sell alcohol during the extended period, at the provincial governor’s discretion, the minister said.
“This change is supposed to uplift tourism. Imagine if some tourists are relaxing in their hotel, and they are suddenly notified that the alcohol is not allowed anymore from 2-5 PM. This will surefire ruin the country’s reputation,” the tourism and sports minister said. “However, this new change is not applied to regular and convenience stores, at least initially, until more research is done,” Phiphat stated.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn concluded that Thai tourism will improve by a great margin from these new relaxations. Starting on July 1st, an estimated 25-30 thousand international tourists are expected to enter the country daily. He expects to see no less than 7.5 million people in total at this year-end and hopes to push to 10 million at best.
You can learn more about the other newest relaxations that have just been updated here.