Thailand extends alcohol sales from 11am to midnight
Alcoholic beverages can now be sold between 11am and midnight in Thailand, following on from a successful six-month trial period where restrictions were eased.
Under the updated rules, tourists and residents can generally purchase alcoholic drinks from licensed retailers, restaurants and authorised venues between 11am and midnight. Sales outside those hours are still banned, unless separate legal exemptions apply.
The updated regulation was signed on 27 May 2026 by public health minister Pattana Promphat, who is also chairman of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee, and was announced by the Royal Gazette on Thursday.
The new legislation comes into force with immediate effect, and replaces the sales-hour prohibition announced on 1 December 2025, following on from the recent trial period that relaxed a decades-old alcohol plan.
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The move is part of a bid to boost tourism and uplift drinks manufacturers. However, safety concerns are still paramount.
As well as longer hours, authorities have implemented tighter controls in sensitive public areas due to drink-driving and underage access worries.
Exemptions allow sales outside 11am to midnight in international airport passenger terminals, hotels, service establishments operating under the Service Establishments Act and designated event or service zones (including specified areas in Rayong’s Eastern Aviation City Promotion Zone).
Sellers operating under these exceptions must implement screening and safety measures to maintain public order and prevent youth access.
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