# Thailand permits alcohol sales at five types of venues during Buddhist holidays

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/law/339227-thailand-permits-alcohol-sales-at-five-types-of-venues-during-buddhist-holidays
- Published: 2026-11-08T02:11:00+07:00
- Author: Chloe Zhou

**Thailand has revised alcohol regulations to permit sales at five venue categories
on major Buddhist holidays while maintaining general prohibitions elsewhere. Exemptions
include airports, licensed entertainment venues, hotels, and locations hosting significant
events, with safeguards to protect public safety.**

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## Key Points

 * Thailand has revised its alcohol regulations, allowing sales at five types of
   venues on major Buddhist holidays while keeping a general prohibition at others.
   The changes took effect on November 7, 2026.
 * Alcohol sales are prohibited on five major Buddhist holidays, but exemptions 
   apply to certain establishments such as airports, licensed entertainment venues,
   hotels, and locations hosting special events approved by the Minister of Public
   Health.
 * Businesses granted permission to sell alcohol must implement measures to ensure
   public safety and restrict access to minors, maintaining alcohol-free days for
   venues not included in the exemptions.

### Revised Alcohol Regulations on Buddhist Holidays

Thailand has recently updated its alcohol sales regulations, specifically permitting
sales at five categories of venues during major **Buddhist holidays**. The revised
notification, issued by the **Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee**, was published
in the Royal Gazette on November 6, 2026, and took effect the following day. This
change replaces an earlier notification from May 7, 2025, acknowledging the need
for updates to reflect shifting societal circumstances. Despite these adjustments,
alcohol sales remain prohibited on five key Buddhist holidays: **Makha Bucha Day,
Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day**, and the beginning and end of **Buddhist Lent**.

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### Specific Exemptions for Alcohol Sales

Under the new guidelines, certain establishments are exempt from the general prohibition.
These include **international airport venues**, licensed entertainment facilities,
and hotels acknowledged under Thai law. The regulations also extend to businesses
functioning similarly to entertainment venues in tourist areas, as designated by
the Minister of Public Health with recommendations from the Minister of the Interior.
Additionally, alcohol sales will be permitted at venues hosting significant **national
or international events** that attract large crowds, provided they are listed by
the Minister of Public Health on consultation with the Minister of Tourism and Sports.

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### Public Safety Measures and Compliance

To ensure public safety and order, businesses authorized to sell alcohol must implement
necessary screening procedures alongside safety measures. These steps are crucial
for regulating access to alcoholic beverages, particularly among **children and 
young people**. The notification was formalized under the provisions of the **Alcoholic
Beverage Control Act of 2008**, which has seen amendments to include the recent 
changes. While the five designated Buddhist holidays remain strictly alcohol-free
for establishments outside the specified exemptions, eligible venues can continue
to offer alcohol sales under the outlined legal conditions. This adjustment highlights
an ongoing effort to balance cultural traditions with the realities of modern tourism
and entertainment.

**Source** : [Thailand allows alcohol sales at five types of venues on Buddhist holidays](https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/11/07/thailand-allows-alcohol-sales-at-five-types-of-venues-on-buddhist-holidays)