Alcohol Sales Unlocked 14:00 - 17:00 New Alcohol Control Act Enforced in 60 Days

Unlocking alcohol sales From 14:00 to 17:00, following the Alcohol Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568, which repeals the 1972 coup order that was the original source of the sales ban. This will take effect in 60 days. "Tae Phiphob" reveals there is still a Prime Minister’s Office announcement in force.

On 10 Sep, the Government Gazette published the royal command on the Alcohol Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568, stating that amendments are necessary because some provisions limit individual rights and freedoms, and the act will come into force 60 days after its publication in the Gazette.

One section states the repeal of the 1972 coup announcement No. 253 dated 16 November 1972, which prohibited licensed sellers from selling alcohol except between 11:00 - 14:00 and from 17:00 - 24:00.

Mr. Sorathep Rojpojanaratch, chairman of the Restaurant Business Association, thanked both the previous government administration and opposition for listening to business operators and approving the repeal of this regulation, which the association had been advocating for five years.

He pointed out that this law has been in use for 53 years and is outdated, no longer fitting the drastically changed social context. Originally, it aimed to prevent government officials and employees from drinking alcohol during office hours, but nowadays Thailand has become a global tourism hub.

He believes that lifting the sales ban during these hours will increase revenue for restaurants and related businesses by 20-25%, stimulate the economy and spending, and enliven restaurant atmospheres, as foreign tourists have been confused by the ban, with some even canceling orders.

However, as of today (11 Sep 2025) at 14:25, Mr. Tae Phiphob Limjitkorn, a Bangkok MP from the Prachachon Party, who pushed for progressive alcohol legislation, posted on Facebook regarding this issue that the afternoon alcohol sales ban is still in effect, despite the repeal of the 1972 coup announcement that started the ban, because a Prime Minister’s Office announcement on alcohol sales hours remains enforced as follows.

"The afternoon alcohol sales ban is still enforced!!!

Many have asked if restaurants can now sell alcoholic beverages between 14:00 and 17:00.

The answer is, not yet; it is still illegal.

It is true that the revised Alcohol Control Act has been enacted and repealed the 1972 coup announcement No. 253, which was the original source of the sales ban from 14:00 to 17:00.

However, nearly every government since 2008 has used the authority under Section 28 of the Alcohol Control Act to issue announcements repeating the sales ban during 14:00 to 17:00.

The latest was signed by Prime Minister Paethongtarn on 23 June this year.

This announcement does not grant any exemptions for "restaurants" to sell alcohol during the afternoon hours.

Only the following are allowed to sell at those times:

1. International airports,

2. Legally licensed entertainment venues,

3. Hotels with a valid hotel license.

This is to inform everyone accordingly.”