The Alcohol Control Committee has opened a public consultation on the draft announcement specifying days when alcohol sales are prohibited, available through the website from now until 30 May 2026 GMT+7.
On 5 May 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that during the 2/2026 meeting of the Alcohol Control Committee chaired by Mr. Patthana Prompat, Minister of Public Health, data was presented reviewing the first three months after the time restriction for alcohol sales from 14:00 to 17:00 was lifted, completing 90 days.
Mr. Patthana Prompat stated after the meeting that the impact assessment of permitting alcohol sales between 14:00 and 17:00 was reported. The committee resolved to have the Department of Disease Control collect health impact data. Comparing the period from December 2025 to March 2026 with the same period the previous year, overall accident rates did not increase. Even examining the 14:00 to 20:00 timeframe, where an increase might be expected, no additional impact was found.
However, the Alcohol Control Office, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, has invited the general public to express opinions on the “Principles or key issues of the draft Alcohol Control Committee announcement regarding the designation of days prohibiting alcohol sales B.E. ....” from now until 30 May 2026 through the central legal system.https://law.go.th/listeningDetail?survey_id=Njk1OERHQV9MQVdfRlJPTlRFTkQ=
Because alcoholic beverages are not ordinary goods, the government must impose control measures to reduce their negative impacts, whether on health, accidents, or crime. Restricting the days alcohol can be sold is one such measure limiting physical access to alcohol, recommended by the World Health Organization as effective in reducing alcohol-related harm.
The Ministry of Public Health, Department of Disease Control, issued a Prime Minister’s Office announcement specifying days when alcohol sales are prohibited in 2025, using authority under Section 28, paragraph one, of the Alcohol Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008).
However, since the Alcohol Beverage Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 (2025) was published in the Royal Gazette on 9 September 2025 and came into effect on 8 November 2025, Section 28, paragraph one, of the 2008 Act was amended by this 2025 Act to change the authority responsible for issuing subordinate legislation from the Prime Minister as minister to the Alcohol Control Committee, based on recommendations from the National Alcohol Policy Committee. Thus, it is necessary to review and update this subordinate legislation accordingly.
Specifying alcohol sale prohibition on five important Buddhist holidays: Magha Puja Day, Visakha Puja Day, Asalha Puja Day, Buddhist Lent Day, and the end of Buddhist Lent Day, with the following exceptions:
1. Sales inside buildings serving passengers at international flight airports.
2. Sales in establishments licensed under the law governing service venues.
3. Sales in businesses operating similarly to service venues located in or near tourist areas, as announced by the Minister of Public Health upon advice from the Minister of Interior.
4. Sales in hotels licensed under the hotel law.
5. Sales at venues hosting national or international special events with large crowds, as specified by the Minister of Public Health upon advice from the Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Additionally, sellers in exempted locations must implement screening and necessary measures to maintain public order, ensure public safety, and restrict underage access to alcohol.
1. Do you agree with banning alcohol sales on the five important Buddhist holidays: Magha Puja Day, Visakha Puja Day, Asalha Puja Day, Buddhist Lent Day, and the end of Buddhist Lent? Why or why not?
2. Do you agree with allowing exceptions for sales inside international airport buildings, licensed service venues, and hotels? Why or why not?
3. Do you agree with exceptions for sales in businesses operating similarly to service venues in tourist areas as announced by the Minister of Public Health upon advice from the Minister of Interior? Why or why not?
4. Do you agree with exceptions for sales at venues hosting national or international special events with large crowds as specified by the Minister of Public Health upon advice from the Minister of Tourism and Sports? Why or why not?
5. Do you agree that exempted locations must have screening and measures to maintain public order, ensure safety, and restrict inappropriate alcohol access by children and youth? Why or why not?
6. Do you have any additional comments or suggestions regarding this draft announcement by the Alcohol Control Committee?