Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) has reminded the public of strict alcohol sale and service prohibitions during the upcoming 2026 general election periods, in accordance with national election laws designed to maintain order and fairness at polling stations nationwide. Thai Election Commission Confirms Alcohol Sales Bans Nationwide For Parts of Next Two Weekends - The Pattaya News

Thai Election Commission Confirms Alcohol Sales Bans Nationwide For Parts of Next Two Weekends

Adam JuddThursday, 29 January 2026, 15:16

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Thailand's Election Commission (EC) has reminded the public of strict alcohol sale and service prohibitions during the upcoming 2026 general election periods, in accordance with national election laws designed to maintain order and fairness at polling stations nationwide.

The bans apply across the entire country, covering all election districts, and does not allow any exceptions even to entertainment or tourism zones unlike a recent test for religious holidays. It is prohibited to sell, distribute, provide, or serve any type of alcoholic beverages during the specified times. Violations are punishable under the law, with potential penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both. It applies to both Thai nationals and foreigners, including tourists.

The restrictions are in place for two key voting periods:

Advance Voting Day
– Sunday, February 1st, 2026 (advance polling for eligible registered voters)
– The alcohol ban runs from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Election Day
– Sunday, February 8th, 2026 (main general election day for House of Representatives members, held concurrently with a constitutional referendum)
– The alcohol ban runs from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

These measures align with longstanding Thai electoral regulations aimed at preventing any influence or disruption during voting. The EC has discussed compliance for all businesses, including bars, restaurants, convenience stores, and retail outlets. This essentially means that especially for many bars and entertainment venues they will be shut doing this period. Restaurants and venues like sports bars can open but cannot serve alcohol.

The upcoming snap election follows the dissolution of the House of Representatives in December 2025, with polling stations set to open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the respective days. Authorities urge voters and operators to plan accordingly and adhere to the rules to avoid legal consequences.

The alcohol prohibition on election days has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly within the tourism and hospitality sectors. Critics argue that the blanket ban unfairly impacts foreign visitors, who are not eligible to vote, and disrupts nightlife and leisure activities in popular tourist destinations during what could otherwise be busy weekend periods. 

This has fueled debates about balancing democratic integrity with the economic importance of tourism, especially amid recent government efforts to relax other alcohol restrictions to attract more international visitors on religious holidays.

However, the Election Commission has stressed that while it understands the potential effects on tourism and businesses, the laws must be followed strictly and without exception to ensure a fair and orderly electoral process. Authorities urge voters and operators to plan accordingly and adhere to the rules to avoid legal consequences.