Thailand’s Department of Disease Control clarified on Friday that the three-hour daily ban on alcohol sales remains in effect, addressing recent confusion among vendors over a recent legal change.
The department emphasized that all shops are still prohibited from selling alcohol between 2pm and 5pm, except in designated locations such as international airports, hotels, and licensed venues like bars.
This clarification came after widespread social media claims, which were also supported by some shop owners and drinkers, that the ban had been lifted following the abolition of the Revolutionary Council’s 1972 directive on Wednesday. Known as Order No.253, this directive had restricted alcohol sales during the same hours.
Department Director-General Suthas Chottanapan explained that removing this order was merely a procedural step, as its provisions are already included in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which continues to enforce the restriction. The act was published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday and is expected to take effect in early November, according to state broadcaster NBT.
MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a member of the People’s Party and an advocate against alcohol industry monopolies, warned on Facebook that vendors should not face legal action due to the misunderstanding.
Violators may be sentenced to up to one year in prison, fined 100,000 baht, or both.