Royal Gazette Announces Guidelines for Designating Alcohol Sales Prohibition Areas Near Educational Institutions
Thailand's Disease Control Department has established guidelines for designating alcohol sales prohibition zones near schools, with exemptions for existing licensed retailers and large commercial establishments operating before specified da
The Disease Control Department has issued a Royal Gazette announcement on May 26, 2026, establishing guidelines for designating alcohol sales prohibition zones near educational institutions. The proclamation outlines that appropriate locations or areas near schools meeting one or more criteria shall be restricted: areas easily accessible to children, youth, and students based on distance from the school; places with characteristics unsuitable for minors; locations that could serve as gathering spots or corruption centers for young people; and areas likely to cause disturbance to students. The announcement exempts certain establishments from these restrictions, including legally licensed alcohol retailers operating before July 22, 2558, licensed hotels under hotel laws, authorized service establishments, manufacturer/importer sales points, retail stores or supermarkets within commercial buildings of 10,000 square meters or larger, and major sports venues with approved special events and proper youth protection measures. Existing alcohol license holders as of February 11, 2568, may continue operations until their licenses expire or are suspended or revoked. The announcement was issued by Montien Kanasawad, Director-General of the Disease Control Department, on May 14, 2569.
