Overnight, following the new alcohol control law taking effect on 8 Nov 2025, it caused considerable confusion and disruption among operators and the tourism sector, especially around the hotly debated clause. "Prohibition of drinking inside premises outside of sale hours."
Amid criticism and confusion, on 9 Nov 2025, Chanin Rungthanakiat, MP from the Pheu Thai Party and former legislative committee member involved in drafting this law, publicly highlighted the "missing picture" of this legislation.
“The clause banning drinking in premises during prohibited sale hours was intensely discussed by the committee. Approval to add it was alongside plans to relax sales hours. The parliament also agreed to repeal the Revolutionary Council's decree that banned alcohol sales between 14:00-17:00 simultaneously.”
Therefore, the government can resolve this by issuing a new announcement adjusting the prohibited sale hours to better fit economic and social conditions or delegate power to local authorities in each province to set appropriate times.
But this government remains idle, not even starting to form a committee for discussion. Please act quickly, as delays will further impact businesses and tourism.”
The post emphasized the "vacuum" created: why did the law, intended by the committee as a "package," only retain the "punitive part," while the "relaxation part" remains frozen?
Thairath Online spoke with Chanin Rungthanakiat, Pheu Thai Party Deputy Secretary-General and former committee member involved in drafting this law, to dissect the true intent and the "complete picture" the committee had envisioned, which differs from the current reality, and to clarify what the missing "package" entails.
The deputy secretary-general explained, “The key point is that the committee intended this law to be a package addressing longstanding issues, such as complaints about patrons ordering drinks just before closing and then continuing to consume afterward—a vague practice. So, we drafted clear legislation forbidding this behavior.”
“Simultaneously, when enforcing stricter measures, the committee agreed on the need for relaxation to maintain balance. This new law was designed to run in parallel with repealing the Revolutionary Council’s ban on alcohol sales from 14:00 to 17:00.”
“The complete picture should have been that with the new law effective 8 Nov, the drinking ban outside sale hours would be stricter, but operators and consumers would have suitable sales times—for example, continuous sales with limited drinking hours concurrently. The problem is that this ‘package’ is now broken. Parliament agreed to repeal the decree, but the government only enforced the punitive ban on drinking and remained idle regarding new announcements to relax sales hours, creating a legal vacuum.”
Chanin Rungthanakiat observed, “I’m uncertain whether the government is preoccupied with other urgent issues (like the economy or foreign affairs), causing neglect of this matter. But the law was published in the Royal Gazette about two months in advance, giving the government ample preparation time. They could have formed a committee to discuss suitable time frames beforehand, so they could promptly issue a new announcement once the law took effect. Instead, no such committee has been appointed even now, which is worrisome as it risks economic opportunity loss.”
The consequences of this half-measure law are concerning, especially for the tourism sector. Chanin said he is even more worried about daytime impacts than nighttime ones.
“Imagine tourists enjoying lunch with drinks who suddenly must stop drinking at 2 p.m. or risk complaints, raids, or fines of 10,000 baht. This situation has prompted several embassies to warn their nationals. If this image spreads, it harms Thailand’s tourism reputation—something the government is trying to promote—and could cause continued confusion and concern among tourists,” Chanin said.
With this legal vacuum and confusion, the most urgent solution now is for the government to quickly issue a new announcement defining appropriate sales hours to end this uncertainty.
As a political party, even during a parliamentary recess, they must respond to this issue. Chanin, as deputy secretary-general of Pheu Thai Party and receiving direct complaints from operators, stated he has pushed and called on the government through the media to act swiftly.
“I’ve noticed the government spokespersons have begun responding. I believe with combined pressure from us and other opposition parties, there will be positive results. I assure the public that if there is no satisfactory progress, I will closely monitor and push for prompt action.”
Amid this legal vacuum and confusion, the upcoming “Merai Thailand 2025” event from 26-30 Nov 2025, organized by Thairath as the country's leading media and joined by public and private partners, is attracting attention. Despite regulatory uncertainties, the private sector continues advancing the Merai Thai identity on the global stage.
“Merai Thailand 2025” is another initiative to boost grassroots economy under the theme “Creative Gatherings: Chat about Liquor, Chat about Beer, Chat Happily.” Held at Emsphere with free entry throughout, the event features five highlight zones including over 50 Merai vendors, forums, competitions, concerts, and cocktail bars. It also includes a special “Business Matching Day” (26 Nov) for HORECA businesses to explore partnerships.
This event reflects efforts to drive creative and grassroots economies and serves as a voice promoting liquor laws that will take the Merai Thai identity worldwide, even amid ongoing policy uncertainty.