Warning for Aussie holidaymakers as Thailand announces new drinking laws
Though Thailand is a country with a lot to offer travellers, one thing it's famous for is its party atmosphere.
From full moon parties and beach clubs to notorious party streets in Bangkok, Thailand is a mecca for anyone who wants to let loose on a budget.
But new alcohol rules are coming into play that could change the vibes of this party destination.
READ MORE: The 'forgotten' destination just four hours from Brisbane you'll want to visit in 2026
Thailand has a reputation as a party destination. Getty
In Thailand, it's illegal for alcohol to be sold between the hours of 2pm and 5pm, and also from midnight to 5am.
So if you go into a store at 2.01pm, you'll find the beer fridges closed off and staff won't be able to ring up any alcohol purchases.
READ MORE: Budget-friendly way to explore bustling Asian hotspot
It's a rule that dates back over 50 years, implemented originally to discourage office workers from drinking booze on their lunch breaks.
If you're planning to have an afternoon on the beers during a holiday in Phuket, you might have to think ahead and purchase everything in advance.
Beer is not allowed to be purchased in the afternoons. Instagram
While restaurants that serve food are exempt from this rule, some pubs and bars must also stop service between these hours.
Once, I was in a restaurant in Phuket Old Town which made us pour all our beers into mugs and teapots at 2pm, in case police came past and saw us with the booze.
Recent changes to the rule may leave travellers at the risk of being fined, though in the past, it was only the sellers of alcohol who could be penalised.
"Thailand has updated its alcohol drinking regulations, introducing fines of up to THB 10,000 (around $470) for drinking outside permitted hours, starting November 8th," Helen Wheat, Thailand Destination Specialist at Travelbag, said.
READ MORE: What it was really like visiting famous site along Italy's coastline
Plan ahead if you want to drink in the afternoon in Thailand. Getty
Considering Thailand's nightlife is such a big drawcard for tourists, there are concerns that this crackdown could harm the travel industry, especially bars that want to stay open past midnight.
Alcohol sales are also banned on select days throughout the year, including election days and certain Buddhist holidays.
Alcohol sales are banned on Buddhist holidays and election days. Twitter
Stores like 7-11 and Lotus will have signs up, and refuse to sell any alcoholic beverages, though some hotels may be more lax, particularly in high tourist areas.
If you're heading to Thailand for a holiday, it's a good idea to check before you go if any of these alcohol-free days coincide with your trip.
Bangkok comes alive after dark. Getty
What time is the alcohol ban in Thailand?
From 2pm to 5pm and from midnight to 11am.
Convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retail outlets are not allowed to sell alcohol during this time.
What are the new alcohol laws in Thailand?
Starting from November 2025, tourists can be fined up to 10,000 THB ($470) if they are caught drinking alcohol during the prohibited hours.
Before now, it was only the seller who could be liable for a fine.
Can tourists drink alcohol in Thailand?
The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20, so any tourist over the age of 20 can drink alcohol, so long as it's not during the prohibited hours.
