Easing Alcohol Ban

Bangkok

Thailand has paused its decades-old afternoon alcohol ban, raising questions about why the rule existed in the first place. The government has eased the restriction for 180 days to help boost tourism during the peak travel season.

The ban began in 1972, when Thailand blocked alcohol sales between 2 pm and 5 pm. The rule was not originally meant for tourists but for government employees. Officials at the time feared that workers might leave their offices for mid-day drinks, lowering productivity. To prevent this, the government restricted legal alcohol sales during those hours, and the policy remained in place for more than 50 years.

But what made sense in the 1970s became confusing for modern travellers. Thailand, known for its beaches, lively nightlife and party spots, also had one of the strictest daytime alcohol rules in Asia. Many tourists were surprised when bars and shops suddenly stopped selling alcohol in the afternoon. Some even faced fines of up to 10,000 baht for breaking the rule.

Now, with tourism still recovering and the festive season approaching, the government has temporarily relaxed the rule. For the next six months, alcohol can be sold from 11 am to midnight while a committee reviews the effects of the change.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who took office in September, has made tourism revival a major goal. Officials say the workplace reasons behind the old rule no longer apply in today’s environment. Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram recently remarked, “In the past, the fear was that state employees would sneak out to drink. Times have changed.”