Is this good news for "drinkers"? The Alcohol Control Committee has given the green light in principle to "24-hour alcohol sales" in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) aviation city promotion area.
Is this good news for "drinkers"? Reports say that during the Alcohol Control Committee meeting No. 2/2026 on 17 April, chaired by Mr. Patthana Prompattana, Minister of Public Health, this topic was discussed.
One key agenda was approving the principle presented by representatives of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee, requesting relaxation of alcohol sales time controls in the EEC aviation city promotion area, proposing permission to sell alcoholic beverages 24 hours a day.
The meeting determined that the EEC would allow sales in two types of locations: 1. areas hosting events or exhibitions, and 2. restaurants, with full compliance to all relevant laws required.
However, this resolution does not mean that 24-hour alcohol sales can start immediately in the EEC area. It must go through legal steps including a public hearing to gather stakeholder opinions, issuing a notification, and publication in the Government Gazette before taking effect. This process takes the 60 days as stipulated by the Council of State, and is expected to be completed by the end of May.
Regarding whether this will stimulate the EEC's economy, Mr. Patthana said there is a likelihood it will, but it is necessary to also consider data from the EEC as part of the assessment.
Additionally, the meeting reported on impacts from allowing alcohol sales during 2:00–5:00 pm. The committee resolved to have the Department of Disease Control collect health impact data. Over the three months from December 2025 to March 2026, compared to the same period the previous year (December 2024 to March 2025), there was no overall increase in accidents. Specifically, during 2:00–8:00 pm, the period expected to see possible increased impact, no rise in accident numbers was found.
Going forward, attention will focus on whether, after the public hearing process, the EEC area will be able to allow 24-hour alcohol sales.