(Bangkok, 9th) Thailand's new alcohol control regulations have gone into effect, tightening restrictions on the marketing and advertising of alcoholic beverages. Those found drinking alcohol during the midday prohibition period now face hefty fines.
Thailand has prohibited most retail stores and supermarkets from selling alcoholic beverages between 2pm and 5pm since as early as 1972. After the revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act came into force on Saturday (November 8), people who drink or are served alcoholic beverages during prohibited hours or at prohibited locations can now face fines of up to 10,000 baht (about 1,290 ringgit). In other words, previously only merchants were penalized, but now customers will also be fined.
Licensed entertainment venues, hotels, certified establishments in tourist areas, and airports serving international flights are exempt and not subject to the new restrictions.
Thailand Restaurant Association Chairman Chanon is concerned that the new regulations will hinder the development of the catering industry, as the restrictions now also include customers. He gave the example that if a restaurant sold a bottle of beer to a customer at 1:59pm, and the customer continued drinking in the restaurant until 2:05pm, this would violate the new regulation and the customer could face a fine.
There are also concerns that some officials may abuse the stricter new rules to impose fines on customers and restaurants for personal gain.
Taopip, an opposition MP from the People's Party who advocates loosening alcohol regulations, believes the restriction on sales hours should be abolished, allowing alcoholic beverages to be sold throughout the day. He pointed out that the new rules could confuse foreign tourists who might order alcohol before 2pm but end up drinking after 2pm, unintentionally violating the law.
The revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act also prohibits alcohol advertisements unless the content is entirely factual. Using celebrities, influencers, or public figures to promote alcoholic beverages is also considered a violation.
Thailand has prohibited most retail stores and supermarkets from selling alcoholic beverages between 2pm and 5pm since as early as 1972. After the revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act came into force on Saturday (November 8), people who drink or are served alcoholic beverages during prohibited hours or at prohibited locations can now face fines of up to 10,000 baht (about 1,290 ringgit). In other words, previously only merchants were penalized, but now customers will also be fined.
Licensed entertainment venues, hotels, certified establishments in tourist areas, and airports serving international flights are exempt and not subject to the new restrictions.
Thailand Restaurant Association Chairman Chanon is concerned that the new regulations will hinder the development of the catering industry, as the restrictions now also include customers. He gave the example that if a restaurant sold a bottle of beer to a customer at 1:59pm, and the customer continued drinking in the restaurant until 2:05pm, this would violate the new regulation and the customer could face a fine.
There are also concerns that some officials may abuse the stricter new rules to impose fines on customers and restaurants for personal gain.
Taopip, an opposition MP from the People's Party who advocates loosening alcohol regulations, believes the restriction on sales hours should be abolished, allowing alcoholic beverages to be sold throughout the day. He pointed out that the new rules could confuse foreign tourists who might order alcohol before 2pm but end up drinking after 2pm, unintentionally violating the law.
The revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act also prohibits alcohol advertisements unless the content is entirely factual. Using celebrities, influencers, or public figures to promote alcoholic beverages is also considered a violation.