Thailand considers lifting alcohol ban on afternoons and religious days

Thailand may end its 53-year-old ban on the sale of alcohol in the afternoon, as well as on Buddhist religious days, as the prime minister ordered a study today into the regulations in a bid to boost the tourism industry.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters that several business sectors have complained about the restrictions on alcohol sales, which they claim are obstacles to the country’s economic growth and tourism promotion.

“Moreover, the rules are not in line with the policy to promote ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025’,” she said.

The regulations prohibiting alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm have been in place since 1972.

Paetongtarn said the study will focus on the impacts the ban has had on tourism, adding “If we were to ease the regulations, to increase income for entrepreneurs and boost tourism, we will still ensure that our youth are prevented from accessing alcohol,” she said.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the prime minister has assigned his ministry, along with the Ministries of Tourism and Public Health, to study the pros and cons of lifting the restrictions.

Paetongtarn’s predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, said last year that he had considered reviewing the regulations, also arguing that it would boost tourism and address complaints from the tourism sector.