Thailand has reversed its alcohol ban, allowing sales from 2 pm to 5 pm for six months, to support its tourism industry and boost spending during the upcoming holiday season.
Key Points
- Thailand has reversed its alcohol ban established less than a week ago, allowing tourists and residents to enjoy drinks in the afternoon again. For six months starting December, alcohol sales will be permitted from 2 pm to 5 pm as part of a pilot program.
- Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat announced the decision after a liquor control committee meeting, responding to backlash from the tourism sector and bar owners regarding the stricter regulations.
- The reversal is significant for Thailand’s tourism, which aims to boost visitor numbers during the holiday season, with the alcohol sales contributing to economic activity within a sector that comprises about one-fifth of the nation’s economy.
Thailand Reverses Afternoon Alcohol Ban Amid Tourism Outcry
In a swift policy reversal, Thai authorities have announced that the sale of alcoholic beverages will once again be permitted between 2 pm and 5 pm, following backlash from the tourism sector and hospitality businesses.
The decision comes less than a week after stricter enforcement of the decades-old prohibition, originally introduced in 1972, was expanded beyond retail outlets to bars and restaurants. The move sparked widespread criticism from tourism operators, who warned of damaging consequences during the peak holiday season.
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat confirmed the change after a three-hour meeting of the liquor control committee, unveiling a six-month pilot programme beginning in early December. The initiative may be extended beyond mid-2026 if deemed successful.
Economic and Tourism Implications
- Tourism accounts for nearly 20% of Thailand’s GDP, making policy stability critical for investor and visitor confidence.
- Afternoon alcohol sales are expected to revive spending in bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, particularly during the year-end holiday period.
- The reversal underscores the government’s balancing act between public health regulation and economic necessity, as foreign arrivals have slowed in 2025.
The ban, which would have prohibited alcohol sales between 2 PM and 5 PM, was met with significant criticism from bars, restaurants, and tourism officials. “Tourism is crucial to our economy, and such a restriction would negatively impact both locals and international visitors seeking to enjoy our vibrant culture,” said a spokesperson for the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Bar owners and tourism operators welcomed the announcement, describing it as a pragmatic response to market realities. Many had argued that the ban risked undermining Thailand’s reputation as a leisure destination at a time when the sector is striving to recover momentum.
Sources: Thai Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Authority of Thailand.
