Thailand has updated its alcohol sales and consumption rules that affect both residents and international visitors, prompting clarification from tourism authorities and regulatory bodies.

The revisions, which took effect under amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and related directives, aim to strike a balance between public safety, health considerations and the needs of the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Under the revised framework, nationwide restrictions on sales remain but are being eased in practice to reduce confusion among travellers and businesses while still maintaining core controls on responsible consumption.

The most notable change is the removal of the long-standing ban on alcohol sales between two in the afternoon and five in the afternoon that had stood for decades, a move welcomed by many in the tourism industry as more aligned with international visitor expectations.

Traditional nationwide sale windows generally remain between eleven in the morning and two in the afternoon, and five in the afternoon until midnight, but exemptions now allow licensed hotels, international airport terminals and other tourism-related venues to sell and serve alcoholic beverages outside these hours.

This gives travellers greater flexibility to enjoy dining and nightlife in line with their itineraries and leisure plans.

Tourism and hospitality leaders have emphasised that the updated approach supports Thailand’s vibrant tourism economy while reinforcing responsible drinking habits.

The government continues to enforce key safeguards, such as the legal drinking age of twenty and prohibitions on consumption in restricted places, while adjusting regulations to reduce confusion and better serve visitors.

Authorities are communicating these clarifications to international travellers to ensure smooth experiences and avoid inadvertent breaches of local rules, recognising the importance of clear guidance in a major global destination.