Thailand's Beer Laws: When Can You Buy?

Thailand has strict rules about the times that convenience stores and other large shops can sell alcohol. Alcohol sales are generally restricted to the hours of 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to midnight every day. This rule was introduced by the Prime Minister's Office in 2015 and applies countrywide. However, there are some exceptions and workarounds. For example, alcohol can be sold at any time at international airport terminals and entertainment venues that have been legally registered, and some small mom and pop stores may also sell alcohol outside the permitted hours.

Alcohol can be purchased from 11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to midnight

If you're looking to buy alcohol in Thailand, be aware that there are strict rules in place governing when and where you can do so. These rules apply countrywide, so you'll need to abide by them regardless of where you are in Thailand.

The overall rule is that alcoholic beverages can be purchased from shops, including local shops, supermarkets, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven, between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm, and then again from 5 pm until midnight every day. This means that during the afternoon, from 2 pm to 5 pm, alcohol sales are banned in these types of establishments. This ban has been in place since 1972 and was imposed by the Thai military junta. While the reason for this afternoon ban is unclear, it is likely related to curbing excessive drinking and reducing the negative health and social consequences associated with alcohol consumption.

It's important to note that this ban does not apply to bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, which can sell alcoholic drinks according to their operating hours. Additionally, international airport terminals and some hotels may have additional hours where they are permitted to sell alcohol.

If you're looking to purchase alcohol outside of the designated hours, you may have some options. Some small, independent stores may be willing to sell you alcohol outside of the permitted hours, especially if you're a regular customer. Additionally, some late-night clubs and bars may allow you to take home an unfinished bottle, although this can be an expensive option.

It's worth noting that Thailand has recently made moves towards relaxing these restrictions, particularly in response to appeals from the tourism industry. In 2024, the country lifted a 50-year-old ban on alcohol sales in the afternoon for hotels, and each province was given the autonomy to decide if the relaxation would extend to restaurants and tourist attractions. More recently, in 2025, there were discussions about ending the afternoon alcohol sales ban completely to provide relief to tourists and boost the economy.

Alcohol sales are banned on Buddhist holidays and election days

• Makha Bucha (February/March)
• Visakha Bucha (May/June)
• Asahna Bucha (July/early August)
• Wan Khao Phansa (July/early August)
• Awk Phansa (usually October)

On these days, alcohol sales are prohibited nationwide, and vendors caught breaking the ban face a prison sentence of up to six months, a fine of 10,000 Baht, or both. The exact dates of these holidays vary each year, so it is important to check the calendar before planning any activities involving alcohol.

In addition to Buddhist holidays, alcohol sales are also banned on election days, including local elections. This ensures that the voting process is not influenced by alcohol consumption. While the enforcement of these bans may vary across the country, with some areas taking a more relaxed approach, it is essential to be aware of these restrictions when planning to purchase or consume alcohol in Thailand.

Furthermore, there are daily time restrictions on alcohol sales in Thailand. Alcoholic beverages can typically only be sold between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to midnight. These time restrictions were introduced by the Prime Minister's Office in 2015 and apply countrywide. However, there are exceptions, such as international airport terminals and registered entertainment venues, where alcohol may be available outside of these hours.

It is worth noting that alcohol restrictions also apply on royal birthdays and other public holidays. For example, on the birthdays of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and H.M. Queen Sirikit, bars and clubs remain closed, and no alcohol is served. Similarly, on the HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) Passing Day, locals observe a no-alcohol day out of respect for their king.

Alcohol sales are prohibited in shops from 2 pm to 5 pm

The Thai government implemented this policy to curb excessive drinking and reduce the negative consequences associated with alcohol consumption. The restriction aims to promote responsible drinking habits and reduce alcohol-related accidents and incidents. However, there have been concerns about the effectiveness of this restriction and its impact on businesses and consumers. Some people find the rule inconvenient, especially tourists who are used to more flexible drinking laws in their home countries.

During the prohibited hours, you won't be able to purchase alcohol from convenience stores and large shops like 7-Eleven, Tesco, and Family Mart. However, you may be able to find smaller, independent stores that are willing to sell alcohol discreetly. Additionally, some clubs and bars allow you to take unfinished bottles home, providing another option for accessing alcohol during the restricted hours.

It is essential to plan your alcohol purchases accordingly and be mindful of the prohibited hours. Stocking up in advance or purchasing alcohol at duty-free shops upon arrival in Thailand can help ensure you have access to alcoholic beverages during the restricted hours. Additionally, drinking in bars and restaurants is still allowed, as long as you consume the alcohol on the premises.

While the Thai government has considered ending the afternoon alcohol sales ban to boost tourism and support businesses, the restriction remains in place as of January 2025. It is crucial to stay informed about the latest updates and adhere to the local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption in Thailand.

Alcohol can be bought at any time in bars and restaurants

Alcohol laws in Thailand can be confusing for tourists and locals alike. While there are strict rules regulating the times that convenience stores and large shops can sell alcohol, these rules do not apply to bars and restaurants.

In Thailand, alcoholic beverages can be purchased from stores between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, and then again from 5:00 pm until midnight. This law has been in place since 1972 and was imposed by the Thai military junta. There are also bans on alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays and election days.

However, these restrictions do not apply to bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, which can sell alcoholic drinks according to their operating hours. This means that you can buy alcohol at any time in these establishments. It is important to note that this only applies if you are drinking on-site; no take-away alcohol is allowed during the banned hours.

There are some exceptions to this rule. In some late-night clubs and bars, you are allowed to take home an unfinished bottle. Additionally, international airport terminals and some hotels are allowed to sell alcohol during the banned hours.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Thailand have been a topic of debate and discussion for several years, with some arguing that they are ineffective and detrimental to businesses. In 2024, Thailand lifted a 50-year-old ban on alcohol sales in the afternoon, which had prohibited sales between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm. This change was made in an effort to boost local tourism. Despite this, the sale of alcohol is still heavily restricted in Thailand, and it is important to be aware of the laws when purchasing alcoholic beverages in the country.

Alcohol cannot be advertised in a way that encourages drinking

Alcohol laws in Thailand are quite strict, with rules in place to regulate the times that convenience stores and other large shops can sell alcohol. Alcoholic beverages can only be sold during the hours of 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–00:00 (midnight) every day at stores and supermarkets. These restrictions were introduced in 2015 and apply countrywide.

In addition to these regulations, Thailand has also implemented laws to control how alcoholic beverages are advertised. Alcohol cannot be advertised in a way that encourages drinking. Under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, BE 2551 (2008), alcoholic beverages may not be advertised in a manner that directly or indirectly claims benefits or promotes their consumption. This includes showing the product or its packaging. All advertisements must also be accompanied by one of five predefined warning messages, which must last at least two seconds for video advertisements or occupy at least 25% of the advertisement area for print media.

The Thai government's decision to regulate alcohol advertising is influenced by the country's high road-related fatalities per capita, many of which are attributed to alcohol consumption. During national Thai holidays where social drinking is prevalent, road-related fatalities have been found to increase significantly. As such, the government has taken steps to address alcohol-related problems through measures such as the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.

The Act prohibits any person from directly or indirectly advertising or displaying the name, symbol, or trademark of any alcoholic beverages in a way that persuades another person to drink. This includes any image and/or video advertisement of alcoholic beverage-related symbols, trademarks, or names. Exemptions are made for advertisements originating from outside Thailand.

To comply with the regulations, companies and content creators should refrain from including actual images, videos, or illustrations of alcoholic beverages in their advertisements. Instead, they may use symbols as long as they adhere to specific stipulations. For example, symbols must not occupy more than 3% of the total advertisement space and must be accompanied by a health warning statement in English or Thai.

Frequently asked questions