PATTAYA, Thailand – Local entrepreneurs in Pattaya are voicing concerns over a new regulation set to take effect on November 8th, 2025, which could jeopardize the city’s tourism-driven economy. The Department of Provincial Administration has issued a warning under the amended Alcohol Control Act (No. 2) of 2025, prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages in commercial establishments during restricted hours, with violators facing fines of up to 10,000 baht.
The new law, detailed in Section 32, explicitly bans drinking alcohol in restaurants, bars, or entertainment venues beyond permitted hours, even if patrons have already paid their bills. The restricted hours are from 00:00 to 11:00 AM and from 14:00 to 17:00. According to Section 37/1, those who violate this regulation will face a civil penalty with a maximum fine of 10,000 baht. The law will come into force 60 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette. It’s unclear, part of the concern, if special entertainment zones with later permitted operating hours to as late as 4 AM like Pattaya and Patong, will be exempt from this law or have an exception. 
Mrs. Lisa Hamilton, President of the Pattaya Nightlife Entrepreneurs Association, expressed confusion and concern among business owners. Pattaya, a city heavily reliant on tourism revenue from its bar and entertainment scene, could face big challenges. “Foreign tourists lingering in venues past restricted hours—whether waiting for rain to stop, for transportation, or because they’re intoxicated—could inadvertently break the law,” she said. “This risks creating confusion and damaging Pattaya’s tourism image.”
Mrs. Lisa explained the already dire situation for Pattaya’s nightlife industry, noting that 2025 has been the worst year in two decades for many businesses, with some venues seeing barely any customers. “If this law is strictly enforced, it could worsen an already struggling industry,” she said. “We urge the government to focus on measures to stimulate the economy and attract foreign tourists rather than imposing regulations that create anxiety.”
Business Owners also urge for clarification on the impact of this law on special entertainment zones with permitted later operating hours, as allowing to be open later without being able to sell alcohol is not an option.
Local business owners are now pinning their hopes on government agencies to introduce supportive measures to prevent the new law from hindering Pattaya’s tourism recovery and Thailand’s broader economic revival.
