BANGKOK, May 9th, 2025 — The Royal Gazette has officially announced a decision to partially lift the long-standing ban on alcohol sales during five major Buddhist holy days, a move aimed at boosting Thailand’s tourism industry while respecting religious traditions.
The regulation, published on May 8th, 2025, and effective from May 10th, 2025, allows limited alcohol sales under strict conditions, starting with Visakha Bucha Day on May 11, 2025. This decision follows months of deliberation and public debate, reflecting Thailand’s efforts to balance cultural heritage with economic priorities in its “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign.
The announcement, signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, permits alcohol sales on Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, Buddhist Lent Day, and the End of Buddhist Lent Day at specific venues.
These include international airports, hotels, legally recognized entertainment venues, tourism-related establishments in designated tourist areas, and venues hosting major national or international events. The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, will publish a list of approved locations to ensure compliance.
As of press time, this location list has not been released and it is unclear if it will be completed in time for the religious holiday this Sunday. TPN Media notes that areas having local elections would still need to ban alcohol sales during polling hours and the evening before, under a different Thai law.
The five general conditions for alcohol sales on religious holidays are as follows:
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Sales are permitted at international airports, such as Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai.
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Hotels with proper licensing can sell alcoholic beverages.
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Legally registered entertainment venues, such as bars and clubs, are allowed to operate. It is not clear if restaurants will be able to sell and convenience and grocery stores seem not to be included.
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Tourism-related establishments in designated tourist zones are included. Lists are still to be provided as stated above.
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Venues hosting special national or international events, as approved by the Public Health Minister, may sell alcohol.
The decision stems from a March 4, 2025, meeting of the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangthong. The committee proposed relaxing the ban to support tourism, a critical sector contributing approximately 1.6 trillion baht to Thailand’s GDP in 2024, driven by over 35 million international visitors. The resolution underwent a 15-day public consultation period and received approval from the Ministry of Public Health before being finalized.
The move follows earlier relaxations, such as the 2024 decision to allow alcohol sales at international airports during Buddhist holidays, which was seen as a trial for broader reforms. Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s February 2025 order to review both the daily 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. alcohol sales ban and the Buddhist holiday restrictions sparked the current changes, though the afternoon ban remains in place due to legal complexities tied to the 1972 decree.
While the relaxation is expected to benefit tourist hotspots and major events, strict enforcement measures will ensure compliance. Vendors must screen customers, prevent underage sales, and maintain public safety standards. Violators face fines of up to 10,000 baht or imprisonment for up to six months, as outlined in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2008.
Critics argue that the decision risks diluting Thailand’s Buddhist cultural identity, with some calling for tighter restrictions in non-tourist areas.
As Thailand prepares for Visakha Bucha Day, the first holiday under the new rules, businesses in tourist areas are gearing up for increased activity, while authorities brace for the challenge of enforcing the regulations. The success of this policy may shape future debates on alcohol restrictions, including the controversial afternoon sales ban, as Thailand navigates its dual identity as a Buddhist nation and a global tourism hub.
