Summary of the New Alcohol Control Act: Sitting and Drinking for Extended Periods May Result in Fines, What Are the Restricted Times?

The Alcohol Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 (2025) officially takes effect on 8 Nov 2025 GMT+7. This law amends the 2008 version to provide more appropriate and up-to-date regulatory measures.

Key points directly affecting consumers.

A major focus affecting drinking consumers is the offense related to consuming (drinking) alcohol during prohibited sale times.

• Key prohibition: No one is allowed to consume alcoholic beverages on premises or areas where alcohol is sold or commercially provided for consumption during hours when alcohol sales are banned.
• Penalty: Any person violating Section 32 commits a disciplinary offense and is subject to a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht.

Time periods to be cautious about consumption (prohibited sale hours).

The prohibited sale hours for alcoholic beverages according to relevant announcements are:

• Morning period: From 00:00 (midnight) to 11:00 a.m.
• Afternoon period: From 14:00 (2 p.m.) to 17:00 (5 p.m.)

Therefore, "sitting and drinking" continuously or "lingering" in an alcohol-selling or serving venue after midnight or during 14:00–17:00 may violate the law and result in fines.

Recommended places and times for drinking.

To comply with the law mentioned above, you should consume alcoholic beverages in licensed commercial venues only during legally permitted sale hours, as follows:

Exceptions for venues that may be allowed to sell outside regular hours:

The new law still provides certain exceptions typically including:

• Licensed entertainment venues (e.g., pubs and bars with official permits).
• Hotels with legal alcohol sale licenses.
• International airports.

For general retail shops or restaurants, consuming alcohol past midnight or during 14:00–17:00 may lead to fines.