Thailand Eases Longstanding Afternoon Alcohol Ban in Bid to Attract Tourists
Thailand has suspended its long-running prohibition on afternoon alcohol sales as part of a six-month experiment aimed at reviving tourism and stimulating the economy.
Under the temporary measure, licensed stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages between 2pm and 5pm. This marks the first relaxation of a rule introduced in 1972 to discourage civil servants from drinking during working hours – a policy that has often puzzled tourists visiting the country’s lively holiday spots.
The adjustment comes just ahead of the Christmas and New Year period, one of Thailand’s busiest travel seasons. For the next 180 days, alcohol can now be legally sold from 11am until midnight while authorities assess the impact of the change.
Violating the previous afternoon ban carried fines of up to 10,000 baht (£235; $313).
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who assumed office in September, has made tourism recovery a priority as Thailand works to overcome years of political instability. Speaking last month, Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram said times had changed since the rule was introduced more than five decades ago.
Thailand remains one of Asia’s highest alcohol-consuming nations, according to the World Health Organisation, with locally brewed favourites such as Chang and Singha continuing to enjoy strong demand.
