BANGKOK — Thailand’s private sector expects tourism to benefit from a government decision to relax alcohol restrictions, even as health officials warn of potential risks.
The National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee on November 13 approved lifting the ban on drinking between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and extending on-premise alcohol service by one hour past midnight. The new rules are expected to take effect within 15 days. The move follows lobbying from business groups and pressure from opposition parties.
Tourism and Sports Minister Attakorn Sirilatthayakorn told an economic cabinet meeting that the restrictions had drawn complaints from foreign visitors. Thai businesses also said the rules were hurting tourism sentiment. The government held an urgent meeting after some countries issued advisories over Thailand’s previous sales and consumption limits.
Hoteliers say easing comes at peak season
Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasert Chaipattaranan said the decision removes an inconvenience for visitors who want to drink with meals or during social gatherings. The change comes as Thailand enters its busiest travel period, with strong international arrivals and robust domestic tourism.
He said the policy will likely boost spending during the year-end holidays, though the effect may not immediately show up in forecasts.
“In the future, stronger support for attracting foreign tourists is almost certain given this new clarity,” he said, adding that the old rules no longer reflected modern Thai society.
Thienprasert cautioned that the adjustment will not lead to a sudden surge in long-haul arrivals this year, as travelers from Europe and the United States typically plan trips months in advance and generally consume alcohol only with meals.
Concerns over safety, tourist scams
He said the more pressing challenge for the industry is the exploitation of tourists, citing cases of overcharging, taxi drivers refusing to use meters, and other misconduct.
“We cannot allow this to become normal in the eyes of foreigners,” he said. “The government must enforce the law seriously — real arrests, real fines, real license revocations — and communicate these actions widely. This builds confidence without any extra budget.”
Tourism from key short-haul markets such as China and Malaysia remains soft, he added, with confidence hurt by recent safety incidents involving a Chinese actress and ongoing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Industry groups see competitiveness gains
Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said extending alcohol service hours will benefit restaurants, pubs, bars and entertainment venues during the high season and attract high-spending tourists from Europe and Australia.
These visitors spend about 8,000 to 12,000 baht per trip and often dine late, he said, making current closing times restrictive. Longer hours also allow businesses to operate legally and create jobs, including night-shift service and security staff.
He noted that the policy could help Thailand compete with destinations such as Vietnam, which does not restrict alcohol sale hours. On Koh Samui, where November to February marks peak European and Australian travel, extended hours are expected to support demand.
Ratchaporn acknowledged concerns over alcohol-related accidents and said data must be collected to measure any increase. He called for complementary measures such as stricter drink-driving checks, expanded late-night public transport and a “last drink” rule to prevent serving intoxicated customers.
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