Thailand on Wednesday lifted the long-standing 2 to 5 PM alcohol sales ban, a rule originally introduced to prevent government employees from drinking alcohol during work hours and often puzzling foreign visitors.
Thailand which is predominantly a Buddhist country lifted decades long alcohol sales restriction on Wednesday by allowing the consumers to buy alcohol beverages during previously prohibited afternoon hours.
Thailand maintains strict alcohol laws which are limited to specific hours and banning them on religious days. There is a routine review of alcohol supply to prevent the disciple of work and development of employees.
Officials last month reviewed the long-standing 2 to 5 PM sales ban, a rule originally introduced to prevent government employees from drinking alcohol during work hours and often puzzling foreign visitors.
Afternoon alcohol ban
Liquor stores were previously banned from selling alcoholic beverages from 2 PM to 5 PM, as most of the workers are doing their work and in office hours at this particular time period which causes indiscipline among employees. The eased rules permit the sales from 11 AM to midnight which is under trial and the committee is keeping an eye on its impact.
Appropriate move
Health Minister Pattana Promphat said the move was “appropriate to the present situation”, according to a statement in the Royal Gazette published on Tuesday.
Thailand has a Buddhist tradition which imbibes the teaching and moral transgression. Despite this, it has a reputation for happening nightlife and a hub for tourism.
Highest alcohol consumption in Asia
Thailand has some of the highest alcohol consumption rates in Asia, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with locals typically reaching for the ubiquitous Chang, Singha and Leo beers.
Thailand is notably known for its road traffic deaths and ranked as the 16th country out of 200. WHO data suggests that about 33,000 people died in drunk driving from 2019 to 2023, according to public health ministry figures.
Public health experts warn of increased risks of accidents seeing the death toll. While proposals were also held to extend nightlife to 4 AM but later rejected.
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