In brief
On 1 December 2025, two important regulations were issued under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2), B.E. 2568 (2025) ("ABCA No. 2"). These regulations became effective on 3 December 2025. These regulations introduce significant changes to Thailand's alcohol control regime, including extended sales hours and, for the first time, restrictions on when alcoholic beverages may be consumed at selling places. Businesses should review these changes carefully and prepare for compliance.
In more detail
What is changing?
The new regulations introduce two major changes:
- Extended sales hours for alcoholic beverages
- New restrictions on consumption at selling places during certain periods
Extended sales hours
Under the first regulation, alcoholic beverages may now be sold from 11:00 am to midnight, replacing the previous split sale periods of 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to midnight.
Sales during the extended sales hour (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm) will be allowed until 31 May 2026 as part of an initial impact assessment.
Remark: These sale-time restrictions do not apply to airports, hotels, or entertainment venues under its specific laws, which remain exempt under this law.
New consumption restrictions
For the first time, ABCA No. 2 introduces new rules limiting when alcoholic beverages may be consumed at places where they are sold. Under the second regulation, selling at these places is allowed from 11:00 am to midnight, but individuals who begin consuming alcoholic beverages before the start of a restricted period may continue drinking for up to one hour after the restriction begins.
In practice, this means that, in conjunction with the new sales period, consumers may continue drinking until 1:00 am.
Remark: These consumption restrictions do not apply to airports, hotels, or entertainment venues as well, as they are not subject to the first regulation.
What's next?
These changes mark a significant shift in Thailand's alcohol control framework. Businesses should update internal policies, train staff on the new rules, and monitor further guidance from authorities. The transitional period for afternoon sales ends on 31 May 2026, after which the government may adjust the framework based on its assessment.
Our team is closely tracking these developments and can assist businesses in updating compliance strategies and operational practices to align with the new regulations.
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Related content:
Thailand: Thailand's New Alcohol Law
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Sirapop Amorncheewanun, Haruthai Chaisanee, Pongtorn Jittapinijmas, Woraphan Khunakornkorbkij, Associates, have contributed to this legal update.