Thailand Repeals Afternoon Drinking Ban Five Days After Start
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
Thailand has abruptly withdrawn a recently implemented law banning alcohol sales and drinking from 2 PM to 5 PM, just five days after it took effect on Nov. 8. The deputy prime minister said the move—announced after public backlash—was intended to boost economic activity during upcoming holiday and festival seasons. Authorities had framed the restriction as a measure to prevent drinking during work hours, but officials later acknowledged workplace drinking is no longer an issue. The ban had carried fines of about 450,000 won for violators and provoked complaints from tourists and tourism-sector groups, who said it caused confusion and harmed Thailand’s nightlife image. Major tourism and business associations submitted a petition to remove the time restriction. The repeal will take effect after a 15-day public consultation and is to be piloted for six months before further review. (낮술금지법: afternoon drinking ban)
