Thailand’s tourism sector is sounding the alarm over a new Alcohol Control Act that came into force on 8 November 2025. Business associations warn that vague rules and strict penalties could damage the country’s high season and push tourists toward other destinations.
New law creates confusion instead of regulation
The law was intended to modernise and replace Thailand’s previous alcohol control framework. Instead, it left the industry with dozens of unanswered questions.
Sana-Nga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, said nightlife operators and restaurants struggle to understand the scope of the law and the penalties involved.
One of the biggest concerns: both establishments and customers can face fines of up to 10,000 baht if a tourist is caught drinking alcohol:
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after 2:00 PM, or
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after 1:00 AM, even if it’s just half a beer.
Several embassies have already issued alerts to their citizens about the unclear rules.
Tourism associations demand clarification and softer measures
Among the groups preparing to appeal to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul are:
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The Thai Alcohol Beverage Producers Association
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Hotel associations
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Nightlife and club industry representatives
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Travel and tourism operators
They plan to propose:
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extending legal drinking hours,
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creating special tourist zones with more flexible regulations.
“We urgently need clarity. This uncertainty threatens tourism and spending during the high season,” Ruangwattanakul said. “European tourists — our main visitors on Khao San Road — drink both day and night. Without clear rules, restaurants and hotels without entertainment licenses will suffer, and tourists may simply choose other destinations.”
Other countries already warning travellers
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Australia has issued travel advisories.
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The UK and the USA are monitoring the situation closely.
“If Thailand doesn’t act quickly, we will lose tourists to competing countries,” Ruangwattanakul warned.
High season starts unusually weak
Although the last months of the year normally bring 20–30% higher revenues (and up to 50% in some regions), November 2025 has shown an unexpected slowdown in spending.
Opposition blames government for regulatory chaos
Chanin Rungtanakiat from the opposition Pheu Thai Party criticised the government for failing to update regulations after lifting the decade-long ban on selling alcohol between 2 PM and 5 PM.
He noted that:
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the 1992 regulation is “outdated and too vague,”
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tourist provinces like Phuket should be allowed to loosen restrictions,
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Muslim-majority regions can maintain stricter rules.
The law was also intended to support small-scale distillers and wineries, but under-regulation means these benefits remain unrealised.
DIP explains: where else alcohol rules cause trouble for tourists
Countries including Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, the Maldives, India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka all apply different restrictions — from time limits to complete bans in certain regions or during religious holidays.
Travellers are urged to understand local alcohol laws to avoid fines or legal issues.