At 11:50 AM on February 11th, 2025, Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced after a Cabinet meeting that the government will review legal restrictions on alcohol sales following multiple complaints from business and tourism sectors.
The review aims to align regulations with Thailand’s Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign.
Key areas under review include the ban on alcohol sales from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, restrictions on Buddhist holidays, online sales prohibitions, and zoning regulations. Some of these laws date back decades or were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PM Paetongtarn stressed the importance of balancing economic benefits with public safety, particularly preventing underage access to alcohol. She acknowledged concerns that restrictions on Buddhist holidays may inconvenience foreign tourists unfamiliar with local customs.
The review follows a petition from the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association, led by Kawee Sakawee, urging the government to lift the afternoon sales ban and allow regulated online alcohol sales. The group argued that the current laws hurt businesses, tourism, and Thailand’s global competitiveness.
Business representatives expressed appreciation for the government’s willingness to modernize regulations and pledged to support responsible consumption initiatives.
