Awaiting ministerial approval for the relaxation of alcohol sales regulations
Thai authorities have admitted that the lifting of alcohol restrictions on Buddhist holidays hasn't been extended to regular retail stores, due to a lack of clarification from the Ministry of Interior. Dr. Nipon Chinanonwait, head of the Office of Alcohol Control Committee under the Ministry of Public Health, confirmed this update.
The committee has yet to receive a response from the Interior Ministry regarding the definition of "place of business," specifically focusing on ordinary shops. Previously, the committee allowed alcohol sales on five major Buddhist festivals, such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha, the start and end of Buddhist Lent, and various other major events.
Currently, venues like international airports, licensed restaurants/bars, tourist attractions in designated zones, registered hotels, and large-scale national/international events can sell alcohol. This relaxation came into effect in mid-May 2025. Additional venues will join this list once the Ministry of Interior provides its interpretation, Dr. Nipon said.
The industry is eagerly awaiting further guidance from the Ministry of Interior. At the same time, the new alcohol control bill is undergoing parliamentary deliberation and is expected to pass next month. The bill includes a provision to increase the maximum fine for underage drinking to 50,000 baht, up from 20,000 baht, for individuals under 20 years of age.
The bill also seeks revisions to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act 2008, which outlines alcohol sale hours, usually from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to midnight. The new allowable hours for alcohol sales will be determined by the committee at a later date.
In related news, two announcements were published in the Royal Gazette by the Prime Minister's Office on June 27, 2025. These announcements eased alcohol sales restrictions, allowing exceptions for specific venues like international airports, licensed entertainment venues, and hotels to stimulate tourism and the economy. However, selling and consuming alcohol in railway stations and on trains is now prohibited, with the exception of a designated room within Hua Lamphong Station.
- The committee is anticipating clarification from the Ministry of Interior on the definition of "place of business," specifically concerning ordinary shops, in order to expand alcohol sales beyond the limited venues currently allowed.
- The new alcohol control bill, currently undergoing parliamentary deliberation, seeks to increase the maximum fine for underage drinking to 50,000 baht and also includes revisions to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, potentially impacting the financial aspects of businesses involved in the sale of alcohol.
