Alcohol ban in Thailand - new regulations from November 2025

The aim of the amendment is to modernize the existing regulations, strengthen health protection in society and better regulate sales channels and advertising. In future, breaches of the rules will be penalized with higher fines penalized for both suppliers as well as for customers apply. However, the changes are not only causing uncertainty among tourists, but above all among restaurateurs, hoteliers and bar operators - as they are the ones most affected economically.

What does the new law say and why was it introduced?

• The original provisions in the Alcohol Act have been extended so that it is no longer only the supplier/seller who can be held accountable for non-compliance with the sales hours, but also the consumer himself with immediate effect.
• In addition to non-compliance with the lockdown periods of daily 14:00 - 17:00 and 0:00 - 11:00 a.m. (these were previously only valid nationwide on Buddhist holidays), the Place of consumption strictly controlled.
• The new law introduces stricter enforcement rules and more severe fines. People who have bought or consumed alcohol during the prohibition period and vendors who have sold the alcohol during this time can therefore be up to 10,000 Baht (≈ 266 euros) fine.
• Vendors who have illegally sold alcohol during one of the above-mentioned restricted periods are liable to a fine of up to 100,000 Baht (≈ 2,666 euros) can be expected.

In which places in Thailand it is forbidden to buy or drink alcohol?

The prohibited zones include:

• religious sites and Temples
• Authorities and official offices
• Police and Military area
• Hospitals
• Cultural and educational institutions like Museums or Schools
• Public Parks
• Stadiums and Sports events
• Petrol stations and Service areas
• Public Means of transportation like Subway, Bus or Railroad
• Stations and Airports

- the sale and consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in all these places.

In addition, there are other public places that cause discontent, especially in tourist areas. In many sub-districts of provinces and cities (including Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya) there is a local alcohol ban. The so-called „alcohol-free zones“ can be used e.g. on public places, viewpoints, beaches and Promenades, in Parks and to riverbanks and Lakes can be imposed. Therefore, when on vacation, always check whether a place is in such a zone or not and respect the local regulations.

When does the new alcohol law apply in Thailand?

The law officially came into force on November 8, 2025 came into force. This means that travelers who are currently in Thailand or are currently planning their vacation should keep the new regulations in mind and comply with the new legal situation on site.

How do the new rules differ from the old ones?

• The previous law was primarily aimed at Retailer, to regulate sales hours and penalize violations, especially when selling alcohol to minors. Thailand has already had a Legal ban on the sale of alcohol between 14:00 and 17:00, what was then For reasons of youth protection were introduced. Children and young people should not have access to alcohol after school hours, which is why the ban was heavily enforced, particularly at kiosks, supermarkets and petrol stations. The closing time between midnight and 11 a.m. was already part of the nationwide regulation at that time.
• In November 2025, a new regulation was added: instead of only holding retailers responsible for the act of sale, the Consumers can be punished for buying and consuming alcohol under Thai law.
• The fines were increased and in some cases reformulated:
  • Previously, traders had to expect a fine of up to 10,000 baht for violations. The penalty for selling to minors was 20,000 baht. According to the new regulation, possible penalties of up to 100,000 Baht which corresponds to around 2,700 euros. This drastic measure is intended to make it clear that retailers should take the new law seriously - despite the prevailing tourism in Thailand and the expected loss of sales in certain areas such as restaurants and bars.
  • For consumers, a fine of up to 10,000 Baht become due. This applies both to the purchase of alcohol during one of the restricted times and to the consumption of alcohol in an unauthorized place.

Are there exceptions to the alcohol law in Thailand?

The rules apply in principle nationwide and refer to the above-mentioned closing times and locations. During a curfew, the alcohol fridges in minimarkets/supermarkets are completely sealed off and marked with a notice about the sales ban. There are also signs in many public places that refer to the ban on alcohol consumption.

However, there are exceptions in Restaurants, bars, pubs, Nightclubs or on busy party streets (serving and consumption of alcohol is permitted there at separate, fixed times, which are determined locally. To Beaches or Promenades a ban on alcohol can be imposed by the relevant Tambon (= Thai administrative unit) can be pronounced, but does not have to be. Many Hotels and Resorts also have a Liquor license, which is why alcohol may still be sold or consumed during or after closing times.

Tips for a relaxed vacation (despite alcohol prohibition zones)

• Check in advance whether your Hotel to the licensed exceptional locations where it is also possible to buy or consume alcohol outside of closing times - simply send a short e-mail to reception.
• Remember the sales closing times: at noon 14:00 - 17:00 and at night 00:00 - 11:00. Ideally, visit the supermarket outside these times if you also want to buy alcohol.
• Avoid the consumption of alcohol in public places such as temples, parks, museums, in regional trains or buses, at train stations, etc.
• Pay attention to separate Notes on the ban on alcohol consumption and on local prohibition zones in tourist areas (e.g. in busy streets, on beaches or promenades).
• Respects Thai culture and legislationEspecially on national and Buddhist holidays, the public consumption and sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited (!) Please always follow the rules and customs in order to show the Thais the necessary respect in their own country.

Legal tips - take a relaxed vacation with alcohol

Of course, the nationwide ban on alcohol should not take the fun out of your vacation. You just need to plan your shopping so that you don't run into the curfew times:

• Purchase planningVisit supermarkets outside the sales ban hours between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. or between 5 p.m. and midnight.
• Happy Hour: Many hotels and bars offer happy hours during which you can buy alcoholic drinks and cocktails at a slightly lower price than at other times of the day.
• Buy supplies: Simply buy a few more bottles of beer than you feel like and store them safely in your hotel room or bungalow. If you then enjoy another alcoholic drink after midnight, you can enjoy the extra stock!
• Hotel/pool bars: Almost every hotel also has a hotel bar where you can quickly and easily buy something alcoholic if the supermarket is too far away. Pool bars are also a popular option for delicious cocktails that you can enjoy by the pool in the sunshine.
• Private events: If you are planning a private event, e.g. in a large villa, you should clarify in advance with the hotel owner or at the venue whether the serving and consumption of alcohol is permitted. In most cases, this should not be a problem, but a special license may be required.
• Non-alcoholic options & activities: Plan a few „dry hour“ activities into your vacation. For example, how about a Thai cooking course or a course where you can mix mocktails (cocktails without alcohol)? Enjoy the culture, visit an elephant camp, treat yourself to a relaxing Thai massage or explore a local night market in the evening and fill your bellies with delicious street food - all possible without alcohol!

IMPORTANTPlease only buy alcohol legally from licensed dealers or supermarkets and not from a dubious street market. With the new regulation, it must be assumed that tourists will be more easily caught in the eye of the law enforcement officers and will quickly be fined (unfortunately not uncommon in Thailand, especially in traffic law). So buy and consume responsibly within the specified times at a permitted location and adhere to all local rules - that way you shouldn't have a rude awakening on your vacation and you can enjoy your trip to Thailand to the full!

FAQ

Q: Are vacationers/tourists subject to particularly strict controls?
A: The rules apply nationwide, both for locals and tourists. As already mentioned, you should keep the rules in mind and stick to them. Don't be tricked into buying alcohol at times when it is not actually allowed to be sold - unfortunately there is corruption from time to time, including on the part of the Thai police.

Q: Does the ban also apply in licensed duty-free stores at the airport?
A: Duty-free purchases are usually regulated separately in terms of time and location. For example, purchases before entering Thailand are handled differently than in the country itself. It is best to find out directly from the airport staff in order to comply with the local airport rules.

Q: Can I take alcoholic drinks into my hotel room?
A: In most cases, yes - as long as the hotel does not have its own prohibition notices and it is not a public area. It is best to clarify this in advance at reception.

Q: Can a pub/bar serve alcohol after midnight despite the ban?
A: Bars usually have an exception so that alcohol may be served during or after the closing time and bar visitors may consume alcohol on site. However, if operators violate regulations and serve alcohol within the prohibited period without official permission, they may face severe sanctions, including the complete closure of the location.

Conclusion

The amendment to Thailand's alcohol law from 08.11.2025 sends a clear signal in terms of enforcement: Violations by consumers can now be punished with heavy fines just like those of retailers, the curfews have been clearly formulated once again and public sales channels and advertising for the alcohol industry are to be regulated even better with the law. For tourists to Thailand, this means one thing above all: inform, respect and plan. If you adhere to the permitted sales times and the rules of local cities, you should be able to enjoy your vacation without any problems and not have to fear any fines.

Enjoy your trip!