Public health ministry clarifies 10,000-baht fine for drinking during banned hours amid one-year transition period
Thailand clarifies new alcohol law: drinking during banned hours faces a 10,000-baht fine; ministry gives one-year transition before full enforcement
The Public Health Ministry has clarified details of the new Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which took effect on November 8, 2025, prohibiting customers from consuming alcohol in restaurants or commercial venues during restricted hours — from midnight to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Violators face an administrative fine of up to 10,000 baht.
Nipon Chinanonwet, M.D., director of the department’s Office of Alcohol Control Committee, explained that Thailand is currently in a transition period, as sub-regulations have not yet been issued.
“Authorities understand the need to use discretion carefully. For now, the focus is on education and warnings rather than immediate fines. Repeat offences, however, will lead to administrative action,” Nipon said.
He noted that the sub-regulations will clarify how alcohol can be sold or consumed during prohibited hours, covering cases such as customers drinking after midnight in bars or restaurants, and vending machines for alcoholic beverages — which currently lack clear rules.
At present, only Public Health Ministry officers are authorised to issue fines, and all proceeds must be remitted to the national treasury.
“Police do not yet have the authority to impose fines until additional sub-regulations are enacted,” Nipon said.
For criminal offences — such as obstructing enforcement or deliberately evading inspection — legal proceedings must involve police or administrative officers to ensure full procedural validity.
New alcohol control board to be set up within a year
Nipon also said that forming a new Alcohol Control Board is now an urgent task for the ministry to ensure proper implementation and oversight under the updated law.
The new board will be chaired by the Minister of Public Health, with the Director-General of the Department of Disease Control serving as secretary and director of the department’s Office of Alcohol Control Committee as assistant secretary. Members will include representatives from several ministries — Interior, Tourism, Commerce, and Industry — as well as local government, the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, and private-sector experts.
Its primary responsibilities include:
- Drafting three major sub-regulations, covering:
- Rules for selling and consuming alcohol during prohibited hours
- Advertising and public communication
- Exemptions and authorisation of enforcement officers
- Defining zoning rules around schools and service areas to prevent sales in risk-prone zones
- Reviewing possible adjustments to sale hours in line with tourism and economic needs
- Reviewing the scope of enforcement powers to ensure efficiency and national consistency
Nipon stated that all sub-regulations must be completed within one year, meaning by November 2026, to avoid a legal vacuum.
“This is the first full-scale review of the Alcohol Control Board structure in over 15 years. Our goal is to balance health, social, and economic priorities,” he said.
The ministry also plans a nationwide public information campaign to help consumers and business operators understand the new law, and will seek cooperation from media outlets to ensure clear and accurate communication.
“This law is not meant to shut down businesses but to create a framework for responsible coexistence — balancing health, economy, and social responsibility,” Nipon concluded.
