Thai PM Considers Easing Alcohol Sales Rules to Boost Tourism. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has initiated a review of Thailand’s longstanding afternoon alcohol sales ban, responding to business community calls for regulatory relaxation to enhance tourism. ASEAN NOW

Reference file photo courtesy: mamalovesphuket

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has initiated a review of Thailand's longstanding afternoon alcohol sales ban, responding to business community calls for regulatory relaxation to enhance tourism.

 

Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub confirmed this examination of the 53-year-old rule, originally introduced in 1972 under Thanom Kittikachorn's coup regime to curb officials drinking during work hours. This outdated regulation is not part of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and has never been repealed.

 

Business groups have pressured for this ban's removal, coinciding with planned amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. These amendments have passed a parliamentary committee and await further readings in the House of Representatives.

 

Following a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Paetongtarn acknowledged businesses' concerns that alcohol sales restrictions hinder economic stimulation. She has tasked relevant agencies with reviewing the afternoon ban and the prohibition of alcohol sales on Buddhist holy days, as these impact tourism.

Additionally, alcohol sales are prohibited on election days, starting the evening before voting begins. Authorities are also reviewing bans on electronic alcohol sales, sales restrictions in zoned areas, certain Covid-19 era rules, and other regulations established since 1972.

 

Emphasising safety, Prime Minister Paetongtarn stressed preventing easy alcohol access for youths, highlighting the need for responsible sales control. While acknowledging adults' maturity, she pointed out the necessity for stringent control over who can sell alcohol and in which locations, particularly focusing on youth access.

 

When asked about potentially allowing alcohol sales on Buddhist holy days, Paetongtarn indicated plans to consult a government panel. She noted foreigners' general unawareness of Thai religious days and related alcohol bans, a factor influencing tourism negatively.

 

Reflecting on the government's recent declaration of 2025 as the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year, she stated, "This year's theme is the year of tourism. Therefore, this issue must be reconsidered," underlining tourism's importance in forthcoming policy evaluations, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-13