# Thailand Reverses Afternoon Alcohol Ban Following Tourism Backlash

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/economics/258338-thailand-reverses-afternoon-alcohol-ban-following-tourism-backlash
- Published: 2025-11-15T14:39:16+07:00
- Author: Arun Upadhyaya

**Thailand has reversed its alcohol ban, allowing sales from 2 pm to 5 pm for six
months, to support its tourism industry and boost spending during the upcoming holiday
season.**

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## Key Points

 * Thailand has reversed its alcohol ban established less than a week ago, allowing
   tourists and residents to enjoy drinks in the afternoon again. For six months
   starting December, alcohol sales will be permitted from 2 pm to 5 pm as part 
   of a pilot program.
 * Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat announced the decision after a liquor
   control committee meeting, responding to backlash from the tourism sector and
   bar owners regarding the stricter regulations.
 * The reversal is significant for Thailand’s tourism, which aims to boost visitor
   numbers during the holiday season, with the alcohol sales contributing to economic
   activity within a sector that comprises about one-fifth of the nation’s economy.

### Thailand Reverses Afternoon Alcohol Ban Amid Tourism Outcry

In a swift policy reversal, Thai authorities have announced that the sale of alcoholic
beverages will once again be permitted between **2 pm and 5 pm**, following backlash
from the tourism sector and hospitality businesses.

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The decision comes less than a week after stricter enforcement of the decades-old
prohibition, originally introduced in 1972, was expanded beyond retail outlets to
bars and restaurants. The move sparked widespread criticism from tourism operators,
who warned of damaging consequences during the peak holiday season.

Public Health Minister **Pattana Promphat** confirmed the change after a three-hour
meeting of the liquor control committee, unveiling a **six-month pilot programme**
beginning in early December. The initiative may be extended beyond mid-2026 if deemed
successful.

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### Economic and Tourism Implications

 * Tourism accounts for nearly **20% of Thailand’s GDP**, making policy stability
   critical for investor and visitor confidence.
 * Afternoon alcohol sales are expected to **revive spending** in bars, restaurants,
   and entertainment venues, particularly during the year-end holiday period.
 * The reversal underscores the government’s balancing act between **public health
   regulation** and **economic necessity**, as foreign arrivals have slowed in 2025.

The ban, which would have prohibited alcohol sales between 2 PM and 5 PM, was met
with significant criticism from bars, restaurants, and tourism officials. “Tourism
is crucial to our economy, and such a restriction would negatively impact both locals
and international visitors seeking to enjoy our vibrant culture,” said a spokesperson
for the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Bar owners and tourism operators welcomed the announcement, describing it as a pragmatic
response to market realities. Many had argued that the ban risked undermining Thailand’s
reputation as a leisure destination at a time when the sector is striving to recover
momentum.

Sources: Thai Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Authority of Thailand.