Thailand Partially Lifts Alcohol Sales Ban on Buddhist Holy Days with Strict Conditions, Effective From May 10, 2025, Approved Location List To Be Announced
By Adam Judd
May 9, 2025
The Royal Gazette has officially announced a decision to partially lift the long-standing ban on alcohol sales during five major Buddhist holy days, a move aimed at boosting Thailand’s tourism industry while respecting religious traditions.
The regulation, published on May 8th, 2025, and effective from May 10th, 2025, allows limited alcohol sales under strict conditions, starting with Visakha Bucha Day on May 11, 2025. This decision follows months of deliberation and public debate, reflecting Thailand’s efforts to balance cultural heritage with economic priorities in its “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign.
The announcement, signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, permits alcohol sales on Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, Buddhist Lent Day, and the End of Buddhist Lent Day at specific venues.
These include international airports, hotels, legally recognized entertainment venues, tourism-related establishments in designated tourist areas, and venues hosting major national or international events. The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, will publish a list of approved locations to ensure compliance.
As of press time, this location list has not been released and it is unclear if it will be completed in time for the religious holiday this Sunday. TPN Media notes that areas having local elections would still need to ban alcohol sales during polling hours and the evening before, under a different Thai law.
The five general conditions for alcohol sales on religious holidays are as follows:
* Sales are permitted at international airports, such as Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai.
* Hotels with proper licensing can sell alcoholic beverages.
* Legally registered entertainment venues, such as bars and clubs, are allowed to operate. It is not clear if restaurants will be able to sell and convenience and grocery stores seem not to be included.
* Tourism-related establishments in designated tourist zones are included. Lists are still to be provided as stated above.
* Venues hosting special national or international events, as approved by the Public Health Minister, may sell alcohol.
The decision stems from a March 4, 2025, meeting of the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangthong. The committee proposed relaxing the ban to support tourism, a critical sector contributing approximately 1.6 trillion baht to Thailand’s GDP in 2024, driven by over 35 million international visitors. The resolution underwent a 15-day public consultation period and received approval from the Ministry of Public Health before being finalized.
The move follows earlier relaxations, such as the 2024 decision to allow alcohol sales at international airports during Buddhist holidays, which was seen as a trial for broader reforms. Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s February 2025 order to review both the daily 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. alcohol sales ban and the Buddhist holiday restrictions sparked the current changes, though the afternoon ban remains in place due to legal complexities tied to the 1972 decree.
While the relaxation is expected to benefit tourist hotspots and major events, strict enforcement measures will ensure compliance. Vendors must screen customers, prevent underage sales, and maintain public safety standards. Violators face fines of up to 10,000 baht or imprisonment for up to six months, as outlined in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2008.
Critics argue that the decision risks diluting Thailand’s Buddhist cultural identity, with some calling for tighter restrictions in non-tourist areas.
As Thailand prepares for Visakha Bucha Day, the first holiday under the new rules, businesses in tourist areas are gearing up for increased activity, while authorities brace for the challenge of enforcing the regulations. The success of this policy may shape future debates on alcohol restrictions, including the controversial afternoon sales ban, as Thailand navigates its dual identity as a Buddhist nation and a global tourism hub.
https://thepattayanews.com/2025/05/09/t ... announced/
Booze POSSIBLY permitted during religious holidays after all
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Gaybutton
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Re: Booze POSSIBLY permitted during religious holidays after all
1 Does that mean it has to be defined as a "tourism-related establishment" AND "in a designated tourist areas" ?Pattaya News wrote: ↑Fri May 09, 2025 6:20 pmThese include international airports, hotels, legally recognized entertainment venues, tourism-related establishments in designated tourist areas, and venues hosting major national or international events.
OR seems more appropriate here.
Then define all of Pattaya as a designated tourist area & the decision is simple. No need for the size of the brown envelope to influence decisions.
2 From a personal perspective, I don't care any more.
Years ago, it was inconvenient to arrive in Bangkok in early December & find the gogo bars were closed on the evening of my arrival.
Now, with much longer holidays and a list of boys in my Line contacts it doesn't matter much.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Booze POSSIBLY permitted during religious holidays after all
The way I'm interpreting it, it's AND - but nothing definitive either way yet.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Booze POSSIBLY permitted during religious holidays after all
I have seen a few articles about this and, of course, whether the bars can open and sell liquor this weekend remains vague and confusing, at least to me.
I think, but definitely am not sure, the bars can open and operate normally. Probably the bars will be making their own decisions as to what they can and cannot do.
Only one way to find out, folks. Here's the latest . . .
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pattaya Nightlife Business Owners Rejoice as Thailand Partially Lifts Decades Long Ban on Alcohol Sales During Major Buddhist Holidays
By Adam Judd
May 9, 2025
After decades of restrictions, Pattaya’s entertainment and tourism sectors are celebrating a major decision to partially allow alcohol sales on major Buddhist holidays.
The Royal Thai Government Gazette published a Prime Minister’s Office announcement, effective immediately, permitting alcohol sales on Visakha Bucha, Makha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, Buddhist Lent, and the end of Lent at airports, hotels, licensed entertainment venues, and similar establishments in key tourism areas.
The first holiday to see this change will be Visakha Bucha Day, this Sunday, May 11th, marking a shift aimed at boosting tourism amid declining visitor numbers.
The announcement updates the 2025 Alcohol Sales Prohibition Decree to align with current economic and tourism needs. Damrongkiat Pinijkan, manager of Hollywood Pattaya, hailed the decision as a “game-changer” for the nightlife industry, which has long awaited this reform. “This is a dream come true after at least 20 years,” he said. “It will stimulate tourism, especially now when visitor numbers are dropping. Tourists want to enjoy nightlife, and closures on these holidays disappointed them.” He thanked the government for supporting businesses, noting that increased revenue would benefit operators, employees, and their families.
To address safety concerns, Damrongkiat emphasized that Pattaya’s nightlife venues already enforce strict measures, including age checks to exclude those under 20, and screenings for drugs and weapons. Regular inspections by police and administrative officials ensure compliance. To prevent alcohol-related accidents, venues provide accommodations, breathalyzer-equipped taxi points, and designated drivers for intoxicated patrons. “Safety is a priority, and we’ve been rigorous about it,” he added.
However, Damrongkiat urged the government to reconsider the current 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM daily alcohol sales ban, which he said confuses tourists and hurts hotels and restaurants. “Tourists don’t understand why they can’t order or purchase an alcoholic drink at that time. If the goal is road safety, enforcement should focus on highways, not dining hours,” he suggested.
Lisa Hamilton, president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, echoed the enthusiasm, stating that the policy would attract more tourists to the city. “In the past, tourists arrived on these holidays to find venues closed, leaving them with nowhere to relax in a city known worldwide for its nightlife. This change makes Pattaya a true tourism hub,” she said.
Hamilton reassured The Pattaya News that safety measures, including campaigns against underage drinking, drugs, and weapons, remain in place with operators fully compliant with government regulations. “We’re grateful the government listened to us,” she added.
French tourist Giannorsi Sehastien expressed delight at the news. “It’s great to have places to go on these holidays. As a foreigner, I respect Thai culture and Buddhism, but I don’t follow the religion, so the ban was confusing. Now I can enjoy my trip.” he said.
TPN Media notes that this change doesn’t affect election laws and alcohol sales bans on those days. Pattaya City proper does not have an election this weekend, although many other districts and sub-districts do, including Nongprue, which consists of most of the Eastern part of Pattaya on the so-called dark side.
https://thepattayanews.com/2025/05/09/p ... -holidays/
I think, but definitely am not sure, the bars can open and operate normally. Probably the bars will be making their own decisions as to what they can and cannot do.
Only one way to find out, folks. Here's the latest . . .
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pattaya Nightlife Business Owners Rejoice as Thailand Partially Lifts Decades Long Ban on Alcohol Sales During Major Buddhist Holidays
By Adam Judd
May 9, 2025
After decades of restrictions, Pattaya’s entertainment and tourism sectors are celebrating a major decision to partially allow alcohol sales on major Buddhist holidays.
The Royal Thai Government Gazette published a Prime Minister’s Office announcement, effective immediately, permitting alcohol sales on Visakha Bucha, Makha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, Buddhist Lent, and the end of Lent at airports, hotels, licensed entertainment venues, and similar establishments in key tourism areas.
The first holiday to see this change will be Visakha Bucha Day, this Sunday, May 11th, marking a shift aimed at boosting tourism amid declining visitor numbers.
The announcement updates the 2025 Alcohol Sales Prohibition Decree to align with current economic and tourism needs. Damrongkiat Pinijkan, manager of Hollywood Pattaya, hailed the decision as a “game-changer” for the nightlife industry, which has long awaited this reform. “This is a dream come true after at least 20 years,” he said. “It will stimulate tourism, especially now when visitor numbers are dropping. Tourists want to enjoy nightlife, and closures on these holidays disappointed them.” He thanked the government for supporting businesses, noting that increased revenue would benefit operators, employees, and their families.
To address safety concerns, Damrongkiat emphasized that Pattaya’s nightlife venues already enforce strict measures, including age checks to exclude those under 20, and screenings for drugs and weapons. Regular inspections by police and administrative officials ensure compliance. To prevent alcohol-related accidents, venues provide accommodations, breathalyzer-equipped taxi points, and designated drivers for intoxicated patrons. “Safety is a priority, and we’ve been rigorous about it,” he added.
However, Damrongkiat urged the government to reconsider the current 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM daily alcohol sales ban, which he said confuses tourists and hurts hotels and restaurants. “Tourists don’t understand why they can’t order or purchase an alcoholic drink at that time. If the goal is road safety, enforcement should focus on highways, not dining hours,” he suggested.
Lisa Hamilton, president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, echoed the enthusiasm, stating that the policy would attract more tourists to the city. “In the past, tourists arrived on these holidays to find venues closed, leaving them with nowhere to relax in a city known worldwide for its nightlife. This change makes Pattaya a true tourism hub,” she said.
Hamilton reassured The Pattaya News that safety measures, including campaigns against underage drinking, drugs, and weapons, remain in place with operators fully compliant with government regulations. “We’re grateful the government listened to us,” she added.
French tourist Giannorsi Sehastien expressed delight at the news. “It’s great to have places to go on these holidays. As a foreigner, I respect Thai culture and Buddhism, but I don’t follow the religion, so the ban was confusing. Now I can enjoy my trip.” he said.
TPN Media notes that this change doesn’t affect election laws and alcohol sales bans on those days. Pattaya City proper does not have an election this weekend, although many other districts and sub-districts do, including Nongprue, which consists of most of the Eastern part of Pattaya on the so-called dark side.
https://thepattayanews.com/2025/05/09/p ... -holidays/
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Gaybutton
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Re: Booze POSSIBLY permitted during religious holidays after all
I'm not sure how this is going to play out. There are 3 more Buddhist holidays listed for this year (see: https://www.gaybuttonthai.com/viewtopic.php?t=11752 ). I am guessing alcohol will be allowed on those days too.
I'm also wondering if this will lead to an end to that 2pm-5pm alcohol sales ban. I hope it does. It should have ended long ago.
I'm also wondering if this will lead to an end to that 2pm-5pm alcohol sales ban. I hope it does. It should have ended long ago.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Booze POSSIBLY permitted during religious holidays after all
Actually I have no problem about alcohol bans on major Buddhist holidays out of respect for their religion and the fact there are not enough of them, in my opinion, to warrant serious complaint.
It's that ridiculous 2pm-5pm alcohol sales ban that I'd like to see come to an end. It serves no logical purpose and never did - and that ban exists every day.
It's that ridiculous 2pm-5pm alcohol sales ban that I'd like to see come to an end. It serves no logical purpose and never did - and that ban exists every day.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Booze POSSIBLY permitted during religious holidays after all
Thai booze laws are still hit and miss
By Barry Kenyon
May 11, 2025
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub has linked the relaxation of alcohol laws on five Buddha holidays to the need to promote tourism because foreign arrival numbers continue to disappoint. It’s a partial pardon with international airports and hotels in the clear, together with the more ambiguous categories “places holding major events” and “nightlife venues in designated areas”.
But alcohol still cannot be sold on Buddha days in restaurants, food halls and stalls, supermarkets or convenience stores. Borderline outlets include mama and papa stores which still abound throughout the country and have a proud record of ignoring restrictions on selling beer and whisky. The legal age for buying booze anywhere anytime remains at 20 years although the person serving it could be just 18.
The Thai Senate is currently considering whether retail booze sales should be legalized between 2 pm and 5 pm in the afternoon and after 11 pm. This rule of 1972 was introduced by a military government to dissuade workers from enjoying extended lunch hours, but has become largely redundant as the restriction doesn’t apply to bars, clubs, licensed restaurants and most hotels. Insiders say that the ancient junta edict is likely to be overturned in time for the next high season.
Advertising alcoholic drinks is decidedly a no-no in Thailand as no actual bottle or brand name can be shown. The companies selling Chang and Singha beers get round the ruling by promoting their own brands of water or coffee. The general idea is that you see an advert for non-alcoholic drinks and mentally make the connection with stronger stuff. So far no companies have been carpeted for their enterprise and initiative.
Thailand and all her neighbors continue to ban booze on election days, although the restrictions can be anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. But booze laws in other countries also have their peculiarities. In Cambodia, there is currently no minimum age for buying or consuming alcohol, but the police often tear down posters promoting beer brands even though they are not actually illegal. In the Philippines, it is actually illegal to drink alcohol whilst riding a horse, whilst in Laos you can be fined for buying a drink for an intoxicated person.
Further afield, Bolivian law specifies that a married woman is restricted to one glass of wine in public and, in El Salvador, you could be subjected to a firing squad for drunken behaviour. So we shouldn’t be too harsh on the odd inconsistency in Thai rules and regulations which, after all, are there to discourage excess. As Elizabeth Taylor once said, “Getting drunk isn’t a spectator sport because the whole family eventually gets to play.”
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... iss-500510
By Barry Kenyon
May 11, 2025
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub has linked the relaxation of alcohol laws on five Buddha holidays to the need to promote tourism because foreign arrival numbers continue to disappoint. It’s a partial pardon with international airports and hotels in the clear, together with the more ambiguous categories “places holding major events” and “nightlife venues in designated areas”.
But alcohol still cannot be sold on Buddha days in restaurants, food halls and stalls, supermarkets or convenience stores. Borderline outlets include mama and papa stores which still abound throughout the country and have a proud record of ignoring restrictions on selling beer and whisky. The legal age for buying booze anywhere anytime remains at 20 years although the person serving it could be just 18.
The Thai Senate is currently considering whether retail booze sales should be legalized between 2 pm and 5 pm in the afternoon and after 11 pm. This rule of 1972 was introduced by a military government to dissuade workers from enjoying extended lunch hours, but has become largely redundant as the restriction doesn’t apply to bars, clubs, licensed restaurants and most hotels. Insiders say that the ancient junta edict is likely to be overturned in time for the next high season.
Advertising alcoholic drinks is decidedly a no-no in Thailand as no actual bottle or brand name can be shown. The companies selling Chang and Singha beers get round the ruling by promoting their own brands of water or coffee. The general idea is that you see an advert for non-alcoholic drinks and mentally make the connection with stronger stuff. So far no companies have been carpeted for their enterprise and initiative.
Thailand and all her neighbors continue to ban booze on election days, although the restrictions can be anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. But booze laws in other countries also have their peculiarities. In Cambodia, there is currently no minimum age for buying or consuming alcohol, but the police often tear down posters promoting beer brands even though they are not actually illegal. In the Philippines, it is actually illegal to drink alcohol whilst riding a horse, whilst in Laos you can be fined for buying a drink for an intoxicated person.
Further afield, Bolivian law specifies that a married woman is restricted to one glass of wine in public and, in El Salvador, you could be subjected to a firing squad for drunken behaviour. So we shouldn’t be too harsh on the odd inconsistency in Thai rules and regulations which, after all, are there to discourage excess. As Elizabeth Taylor once said, “Getting drunk isn’t a spectator sport because the whole family eventually gets to play.”
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... iss-500510