Harmony Chandler
If you're planning a trip to Bangkok, Thailand, and want to know when you can buy a beer, it's important to be aware of the country's strict rules around alcohol sales. While Bangkok is a bustling city with exciting activities at all hours, there are specific times when you cannot purchase alcohol in shops and supermarkets. These restrictions apply countrywide and can significantly impact your drinking plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time beer can be bought in Bangkok | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – midnight |
| Time beer cannot be bought in Bangkok | Midnight – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Days beer cannot be bought in Bangkok | 5 Buddhist holidays, election days |
What You'll Learn
Alcohol can be purchased in Bangkok from 11 am to 2 pm
However, there are some exceptions and workarounds to these rules. Alcohol can be sold at other times at international airport terminals and entertainment venues that have been legally registered. Bars, pubs, and restaurants are also allowed to sell alcohol at any time, as long as it is consumed on-site.
Small, local "mom and pop" stores may also be willing to sell alcohol outside of the permitted hours, although they could face a fine or imprisonment if caught.
It is important to note that alcohol sales are banned entirely on certain days of the year, including election days and religious holidays such as Buddhist holidays. On these days, even bars and restaurants may not serve alcohol, although some Western-owned hotels may still do so.
The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years, and retailers may ask for identification to prove your age. It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under this age, and sellers may face fines for non-compliance.
Buying Beer Late Night in Pigeon Forge, TN
You may want to see also
It can be bought again from 5 pm to midnight
So, you want to buy a beer in Bangkok? Well, you're in luck—but only at certain times. You see, there are strict rules in Thailand regarding the sale of alcohol, and these apply countrywide.
The good news is that you can buy beer again from 5 pm to midnight. That's right, after the afternoon ban, you can head to your local shop or supermarket and pick up a cold one. Just remember that the sale of alcohol is restricted to certain hours, so you'll need to plan your purchases accordingly.
The overall rule is that alcoholic beverages can be sold from 11 am to 2 pm and then again from 5 pm to midnight every day. These times were introduced by the Prime Minister's Office in 2015, and they apply to all stores and supermarkets. So, if you're looking to stock up on beer, make sure you do it during these hours.
Now, it's important to note that there are some exceptions to these rules. For example, you can buy alcohol at any time of day at international airport terminals and registered entertainment venues, such as bars and restaurants. These places often have more lenient rules, and you'll be able to drink with no problems, even during the afternoon ban.
So, if you're in Bangkok and craving a beer, remember the magic hours: 5 pm to midnight. Head to your local shop or supermarket during these times, and you'll be all set for a refreshing beverage. Cheers!
Where to Buy Schlitz Beer Today
You may want to see also
It is illegal to buy alcohol in shops from 2 pm to 5 pm
If you're planning a trip to Bangkok, Thailand, and want to buy some beer, it's important to be aware of the strict rules in place regarding alcohol sales. It is illegal to buy alcohol in shops and supermarkets in Bangkok from 2 pm until 5 pm. This rule applies daily, and there are additional restrictions on certain days.
The overall rule in Thailand is that alcoholic beverages can only be purchased from shops during specific times: 11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to midnight. These rules were introduced by the Thai government and are enforced countrywide. While it may seem odd to visitors from other countries, these restrictions are firmly in place.
The afternoon ban on alcohol sales is thought to be aimed at preventing Thai people from drinking all afternoon. The average Thai person cannot afford the prices of drinks in bars, so by blocking the sale of alcohol in shops during this time, afternoon drinking can be discouraged. Additionally, it is believed that this law was implemented to prevent children from buying alcohol as they leave school for the day.
During the restricted hours, employees of larger chain stores are unlikely to sell alcohol, even if you try to persuade them. Some shops will even have the barcodes of alcoholic drinks blocked during these hours, making it impossible to purchase them. However, smaller, local "mom-and-pop" stores may be more flexible and willing to sell alcohol outside of the permitted hours.
It's important to note that the restrictions on alcohol sales do not apply to bars and restaurants. You are allowed to drink in these establishments all day, and some bars in Bangkok are open almost 24 hours a day. On weekends, some bars may even stay open until 4 am or later if there are customers still buying drinks.
In addition to the daily restrictions, there are also days when alcohol sales are banned entirely. This includes important religious days, such as Buddhist holidays, and during elections. On these days, bars will typically be closed, but some Western-owned hotels may still serve alcohol.
Buying Beer at Florida Gas Stations: Is it Possible?
You may want to see also
Alcohol sales are banned on religious holidays and election days
In Thailand, alcohol sales are banned on religious holidays and election days. These restrictions apply countrywide and are in place to promote traditional Thai values and prevent public drunkenness.
Religious Holidays
Alcohol sales are banned on five important Buddhist holidays:
- Makha Bucha Day, which takes place on a full moon day in the third lunar month (February or March).
- Visakha Bucha Day, which falls on the full moon of the sixth month of the lunar year (usually May or June).
- Asahna Bucha Day, which occurs on the full moon of the eighth month (July or early August).
- Khao Phansa, or Buddhist Lent Day, marks the beginning of a three-month period during which monks must stay in their temples and not travel. It is celebrated the day after Asahna Bucha, resulting in two consecutive days without alcohol sales.
- The End of Buddhist Lent, or Maha Pavarana Day, falls three months after Buddhist Lent and usually occurs in October.
On these days, alcohol sales are prohibited from midnight to midnight. The exact dates vary each year according to the lunar calendar.
Election Days
During election periods, alcohol sales are banned for 24 hours, typically from 6 pm on the day before election day until 6 pm on election day. This restriction includes local and national elections, such as the election of members of the House of Representatives and senators.
Enforcement and Penalties
The sale of alcohol during these banned periods is strictly enforced, and vendors caught breaking the rules face severe penalties. These penalties can include a prison sentence of up to six months, a fine of 10,000 Baht, or both.
While some local stores may be willing to sell alcohol outside the official hours, they do so at the risk of facing these harsh penalties. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of these restrictions and plan your alcohol purchases accordingly when visiting or residing in Bangkok, Thailand.
Last Call for Beer in Louisville: Know the Hours
You may want to see also
You can buy alcohol at a bar, hotel or restaurant at any time
If you're looking to buy alcohol in Bangkok, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, it is illegal to buy alcohol in shops and supermarkets from 2 pm to 5 pm. There is also a ban on alcohol sales from midnight to 11 am. These restrictions are in place to prevent drunk and unruly customers late at night and to stop people from drinking all afternoon. While this may be surprising to visitors from countries where alcohol is available 24/7, these rules are firmly enforced in Thailand.
However, there is some good news! You can buy alcohol at a bar, hotel or restaurant at any time they are open. So, if you're looking to drink during the restricted hours, your best bet is to head to one of these establishments. Keep in mind that on Buddhist holidays and election days, there may be additional restrictions on alcohol sales, even in bars and restaurants.
It's also important to note that the legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years old, and you may be asked to show proof of age when purchasing alcohol. The rules apply to both foreigners and Thai citizens, so be sure to follow them to avoid any trouble.
In summary, while there are restrictions on alcohol sales in Bangkok, you can still enjoy a drink by purchasing it at a bar, hotel, or restaurant at any time. Just be sure to plan ahead if you want to drink outside of the permitted hours in shops and supermarkets!
Delaware-Wisconsin Beer Buying: Is It Legal?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can buy beer in Bangkok from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to midnight.
You can buy beer from local shops, supermarkets, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven during the permitted hours.
Yes, beer and other alcoholic drinks cannot be sold on five important Buddhist holidays, election days, and during Buddhist Lent.
Yes, you can buy beer at any time from bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues as long as you consume it there.
