The Alcohol Beverage Control Committee is accepting public comments on the draft announcement that sets days when alcohol sales are prohibited, via the central legal system, until 24 Jul 2026 GMT+7.
The Alcohol Beverage Control Office, under the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, has opened public consultation on the key principles of the draft announcement titled “Announcement of the Alcohol Beverage Control Committee on Specified Days Prohibiting Alcohol Sales B.E. ....” through the central legal system.https://law.go.th/listeningDetail?survey_id=NzMyNURHQV9MQVdfRlJPTlRFTkQ=Recently, the deadline for public comments has been extended until 24 July 2026 GMT+7.
Because alcoholic beverages are not ordinary goods, the state must impose control measures to reduce the adverse effects caused by alcohol, including health issues, accidents, and crime. Restricting alcohol sales on certain days is one such measure recommended by the World Health Organization to effectively reduce alcohol-related harm.
The Ministry of Public Health, Department of Disease Control, has issued a Prime Minister’s Office announcement specifying days when alcohol sales are prohibited in 2025, based on the authority granted by 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 took effect on 8 November 2025, the authority under Section 28, paragraph one, of the 2008 Act was revised by this new Act. The power to issue subordinate legislation shifted from the Prime Minister, as minister in charge, on recommendation from the National Alcohol Policy Committee, to the Alcohol Beverage Control Committee. Therefore, it is necessary to review and update the subordinate legislation accordingly.
1. Set five Buddhist holy days when alcohol sales are prohibited: Magha Puja Day, Visakha Puja Day, Asalha Puja Day, the beginning of Buddhist Lent, and the end of Buddhist Lent.
2. Provide exceptions for sales within buildings serving passengers at airports handling international flights.
3. Provide exceptions for sales at licensed service venues as defined by law.
4. Provide exceptions for sales at establishments operating similarly to licensed service venues located in or near tourist areas, as announced by the Minister of Public Health upon advice from the Minister of Interior.
5. Provide exceptions for sales at hotels as defined by hotel law.
6. Provide exceptions for sales at venues hosting large-scale national or international special events, as listed and announced by the Minister of Public Health upon advice from the Minister of Tourism and Sports.
7. Require sellers at exempted locations to implement screening and necessary measures to maintain public order, ensure safety, and restrict inappropriate access to alcohol by children and youth.
1. Do you agree with prohibiting alcohol sales on the five Buddhist holy days: Magha Puja, Visakha Puja, Asalha Puja, the beginning, and the end of Buddhist Lent? Why or why not?
2. Do you agree with the exceptions allowing alcohol sales within airport buildings serving international flight passengers, licensed service venues, and hotels? Why or why not?
3. Do you agree with exceptions for sales at establishments operating like licensed service venues located in or near 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 large national or international special events with many participants, as listed 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 implement screening and necessary measures to maintain social order, public 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 of the Alcohol Beverage Control Committee? Please specify.
You can submit your opinions athttps://law.go.th/listeningDetail?survey_id=NzMyNURHQV9MQVdfRlJPTlRFTkQ=