India's Kerala State Lifts 52-Year Daytime Alcohol Sales Ban

Thailand has significantly relaxed its alcohol regulations by lifting a ban on afternoon liquor sales that had been in place for more than 50 years. The move introduces a more flexible drinking policy ahead of the peak tourist season and efforts to stimulate the economy.

According to AFP and the Bangkok Post, the Thai government on Friday implemented new regulations eliminating the prohibition on alcohol sales between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The new rules were published in the Royal Gazette the previous day and took effect with the signature of Health Minister Pattana Promphut. He described the measure as "an appropriate change reflecting current circumstances."

Previously, alcohol sales were permitted only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to midnight. Now, sales are allowed throughout the entire period from 11 a.m. to midnight. Additionally, on-premises drinking hours, previously ending at midnight, have been extended by one hour to 1 a.m. for licensed establishments.

The new regulations will be implemented on a 180-day trial basis. Alcohol regulatory authorities will evaluate the policy's effectiveness during this period before deciding whether to make it permanent. International airports remain exempt from time restrictions, as before.

Thailand has prohibited alcohol sales at most retail stores and supermarkets between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. since the military government era of 1972. The original purpose was to prevent civil servants from drinking during work hours and to stop teenagers from purchasing alcohol after school.

However, Thailand's National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee held a meeting on December 13 and agreed to ease sales restrictions to boost consumption during the year-end and New Year tourist season as well as the Songkran festival. Deputy Prime Minister Sopon Sarum, who chaired the meeting, called the existing regulations "outdated," explaining that "in the past, there were concerns about civil servants drinking secretly, but times have changed."

Although Thailand is famous for its entertainment and tourism industries, the country has maintained strict regulations amid a social atmosphere influenced by Buddhist values that views drinking as a moral issue. Nevertheless, according to the World Health Organization, Thailand ranks among the highest alcohol-consuming countries in Asia.

The high drinking rate is also reflected in road safety statistics. According to WHO data, Thailand ranked 16th out of 200 countries in traffic fatality rates per capita as of 2021. Thai Health Ministry statistics show that approximately 33,000 people died from drunk driving between 2019 and 2023.