Thailand Eases Alcohol Ban on Buddhist Holidays at Five Venue Types
Thailand has relaxed its alcohol sales ban on five major Buddhist holidays, allowing sales at international airports, licensed entertainment venues, designated tourist-area establishments, hotels, and venues hosting large national or international events. The new regulation, published in the Royal Gazette on November 7, 2026, replaces the previous blanket ban and requires sellers at exempted locations to implement screening and safety measures to protect public order and prevent youth access to alcohol.
On November 7, 2026, the Royal Gazette published the Alcohol Control Committee's announcement on prohibited alcohol sales days for 2026. The regulation updates the previous 2025 Prime Minister's Office announcement to reflect current conditions. Under Sections 16(3) and 28 of the Alcohol Control Act B.E. 2551, as amended by the Alcohol Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568, and based on the committee's resolution from its meeting on April 17, 2026, the following takes effect the day after publication: the 2025 announcement is revoked; alcohol sales remain prohibited on Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asanha Bucha, Khao Phansa, and Ok Phansa days, except at (1) international airport passenger terminals, (2) licensed entertainment venues, (3) venues in designated tourist areas, (4) hotels under hotel law, and (5) venues hosting national or international events with large crowds as designated by the Ministers of Public Health and Tourism and Sports. Sellers at these exempted locations must implement screening and necessary measures to maintain public order, safety, and restrict youth access to alcohol.
