Starting 8 Nov, alcohol drinkers in Thailand will face fines of up to 10,000 baht (S$400) for consuming alcohol in pubs and bars after the designated hours.
According to the Bangkok Post, the Department of Provincial Administration confirmed the new penalties under an amendment to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which previously prohibited the sale of alcohol outside legal hours.
Now, individual drinkers will also be held accountable for violating these rules, not just the establishments that serve the alcohol.
Source: CK Travels, for illustrative purposes only.
Currently, alcohol sales are restricted between midnight and 11am and 2pm and 5pm, with exceptions for certain venues such as international airports, hotels, and licensed bars.
Under Section 32 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, it is already illegal to consume alcohol in places where it is sold outside the prescribed hours.
The latest measure extends the liability to customers drinking after hours in licensed venues.
Source: Instants on Canva, for illustrative purposes only.
Officials have said the new penalty aims to strengthen compliance and curb the social and health risks associated with late-night drinking, reports The Thaiger.
The S$400 fine will apply to individuals found drinking after hours in licensed establishments, whether it be pubs, bars, or other licensed venues.
The move comes as Thailand tries to balance its tourism efforts with enforcing public health regulations.
Thailand’s nightlife is a major attraction for visitors, especially in places like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. However, rules on alcohol sales have caused frustration for both tourists and bar owners.
Some operators have expressed concerns that these stricter penalties could drive late-night drinking further underground, making enforcement more difficult.
In addition to the new fines, Thailand has recently lifted its long-standing afternoon alcohol sales ban (2pm–5pm) in restaurants, effective 11 Sept.
This change has been hailed by the hospitality industry as a positive step, offering more flexibility for businesses to cater to tourists and boost sales.
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Featured image adapted from CK Travels and Instants on Canva, both for illustrative purposes only.