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The National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee is scheduled to meet on November 13 to resolve public confusion over the new Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 (2025), which came into effect on November 8. The Cabinet has instructed relevant agencies to urgently clarify the rules to the public, business operators, and tourists amid criticism that the law is affecting tourism and nightlife businesses.
Siripong Angkasakulkiat, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul requested clarity following complaints about enforcement. The Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports have been tasked with explaining which activities are allowed and which are prohibited under the Act, ensuring clear understanding and proper compliance. The committee aims to issue definitive guidance on the matter by December 4.
The law represents a major shift in Thailand's food and beverage industry. It modernizes the original 2008 Act to reflect digital-era sales practices and attempts to balance social control with economic growth. However, it has triggered backlash for directly penalizing consumers who drink during restricted hours, a legal turning point that has caused confusion and frustration across the hospitality sector.
The controversy centers on Section 32, which prohibits drinking in licensed premises or commercial venues during legally restricted hours. Violators face fines of up to 10,000 baht under Section 37/1. Previously, enforcement targeted vendors, such as selling to minors or intoxicated patrons; the new law places responsibility on the drinkers themselves, creating stricter personal accountability.
Under current regulations, alcohol consumption is prohibited from midnight to 11:00 a.m. and from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Even if a customer buys alcohol before midnight but continues drinking past 00:00, they are considered in violation. Certain venues remain exempt — licensed entertainment establishments such as pubs and bars, hotels, and international airport departure lounges. Smaller restaurants and cafés without an entertainment licence must stop alcohol consumption at midnight, raising concerns about revenue loss from late-night diners and drinkers.
People's Party Bangkok MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn emphasized that drinking during prohibited hours in commercial venues is illegal, and fines apply directly to the drinkers. Siripong noted that the regulations may cause confusion, particularly for foreign tourists unfamiliar with the rules.
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