Thailand confirms five exemptions to alcohol sales ban on Buddhist holidays
Thailand's revised alcohol regulations permit sales at five categories of venues on major Buddhist holidays, subject to conditions and public safety measures.
Thailand has issued revised regulations allowing alcohol sales at five categories of venues on major Buddhist religious holidays, while maintaining the general prohibition at other establishments.
The notification, issued by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee, was published in the Royal Gazette on Friday (November 6, 2026) and takes effect on November 7.
The new rules replace the Prime Minister's Office notification dated May 7, 2025, with the committee stating that the regulations needed to be updated to reflect changing circumstances.
Under the notification, alcohol sales remain prohibited on five major Buddhist holidays: Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, the beginning of Buddhist Lent and the end of Buddhist Lent.
Five categories of venues exempted
The revised regulations permit alcohol sales at five categories of establishments, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
The exemptions cover buildings serving passengers at airports operating international flights, licensed entertainment venues operating under the relevant legislation, and hotels recognised under Thai hotel law.
They also apply to establishments operating in a manner similar to entertainment venues in tourist areas, provided these are designated by the Minister of Public Health on the recommendation of the Minister of the Interior.
The fifth exemption covers venues hosting major national or international special events attended by large numbers of people. Eligible locations must be included in a list announced by the Minister of Public Health on the recommendation of the Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Public safety measures remain mandatory
Businesses permitted to sell alcoholic beverages under the exemptions must introduce screening procedures and other necessary measures to maintain public order and protect public safety.
They must also implement safeguards to restrict access to alcoholic beverages among children and young people.
The notification was issued under Sections 16(3) and 28, paragraph one, of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act 2008, as amended by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) 2025.
The regulations follow a resolution adopted by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee at its second meeting of 2026, held on April 17.
The revised notification maintains the five designated Buddhist holidays as alcohol-free sales days for establishments outside the specified exemptions, while allowing eligible venues to continue selling alcoholic beverages under the conditions set by law.
