Thailand Tightens Alcohol Laws: Tourists Now Face Fines For Drinking During Banned Hours In Popular Tourist Spots!

Published on November 10, 2025

The new alcohol laws are going to be a tough pill to swallow for the tourists coming to Thailand. Starting on November 8th, 2025, those who will be found drinking or buying booze during the restricted hours, 2 pm to 5 pm and midnight to 11 am, will have to pay a fine of 10,000 Thai Baht which is the maximum penalty provided by the law. The changes in the law are mainly aimed at reducing alcohol-related problems and increasing security in Thailand’s tourist spots like Phuket, Koh Samui and Bangkok.

The law, an update to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, marks a significant shift in how alcohol consumption is regulated in the country. Historically, the restrictions applied only to businesses selling alcohol, but now individual drinkers, including tourists, will be held accountable.

A Step Towards Safer Tourism

The changes are part of a broader public safety drive that targets alcohol-related harm, particularly in Thailand’s bustling nightlife hubs. Thai authorities argue that the stricter measures will help curb excessive drinking and improve safety for tourists and locals alike. The government’s push aligns with long-standing public health campaigns aimed at reducing the negative effects of alcohol in tourist-heavy areas.

Phuket, a well-known hotspot for international visitors, has been particularly affected. Authorities in the region, along with other key tourist cities such as Bangkok and Koh Samui, have highlighted the importance of ensuring tourists are aware of the new rules. These restrictions aim to reduce disturbances during the daytime and late hours, with a particular focus on curbing drunken behaviour in public spaces.

How the Changes Affect Tourists

The new alcohol restrictions have certainly caused a stir among international visitors who enjoy Thailand’s vibrant bar and beach scenes. Many are now cautious about when they can buy drinks, particularly after sunset when many tourists are out enjoying the nightlife. The most notable impact has been the restricted hours for alcohol sales, meaning many tourists now need to plan their drinks around the new timeframes.

Tourists, especially those accustomed to the more relaxed drinking culture, have expressed concerns over the changes. Many had come to associate their holidays in Thailand with carefree beachside drinks and late-night socialising. For some, these new laws are seen as a shift away from the fun, carefree image of Thailand’s tourism scene.

Exceptions to the Rule: Hotels and Licensed Venues

Despite the overall tightening of alcohol laws, there are certain exemptions to the rule. Hotels, licensed restaurants, and entertainment venues are not subject to the same restrictions. This means that visitors staying in these venues can still order alcohol within the banned hours, as long as they are on the premises.

These exemptions are likely to ease the transition for tourists who are still keen to enjoy their holiday beverages at their accommodation or other designated spaces. However, it is essential for visitors to keep in mind that local establishments may operate under different regulations, and public consumption of alcohol outside licensed venues is still prohibited during the restricted hours.

Impact on the Hospitality Sector

The hospitality sector, including bars, nightclubs, and smaller restaurants, could see disruptions as a result of the law changes. These businesses will need to adapt to the new regulations, with many being forced to adjust operating hours or even reconsider how they serve alcohol. For the most part, larger establishments with licences will be able to continue as usual, but smaller businesses might feel the pinch.

The restriction on alcohol advertising is another significant change in the updated Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. Now, only factual, non-promotional content about alcoholic beverages is permitted. This could affect marketing campaigns, especially those involving influencers and celebrities, which had become a major part of alcohol promotions in Thailand’s tourism sector.

A Surprising Turn: Thailand’s Previous Plans for Loosening Restrictions

Interestingly, in March 2025, there were discussions about relaxing some of the alcohol restrictions. Thailand’s House of Representatives had voted to revoke the afternoon sales ban and loosen restrictions on alcohol advertising to help boost tourism. However, these proposed changes are currently on hold, awaiting Senate ratification. As a result, the stricter laws now implemented are a significant turn of events, much to the surprise of both local businesses and international visitors.

Many had anticipated a more liberalised approach towards alcohol consumption to cater to the growing demand for tourism. But with the government’s latest moves, Thailand is focusing more on managing its tourism responsibly rather than easing restrictions.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Safety and Tourism Growth

The shift in alcohol laws marks a turning point for Thailand’s tourism industry, as officials work to strike a balance between public safety and maintaining the appeal of the country as a top travel destination. While tourists may feel the impact of these changes, the government’s focus on reducing alcohol-related harm is part of an ongoing effort to create a safer environment for all.

Despite the restrictions, Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for travellers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. As the country continues to fine-tune its tourism policies, visitors will need to stay informed about any further developments, particularly concerning the consumption of alcohol during their holiday stay.

Bottom Line

The new alcohol regulations in Thailand could prompt tourists to change their drinking habits as one of the measures against violations is the imposition of fines. This step is assumed to be a major public safety enhancement and alcohol-related harm reduction. However, the question of how the hospitality sector will react to the new rules is still open. People who go to Thailand for vacations need to make sure that they know the limits on drinking hours and that they keep updated about the special regulations in their locality so that they don’t get penalized and can still be responsible in enjoying their vacation.