Entertainment venues and nightclubs in Thailand were recently denied their request to stay open until 4 am. Thailand’s Alcohol Control Committee rejected the proposal from bars and nightclubs. Based on studies claiming that extending their hours could lead to more accidents and casualties. In addition, regardless of checkpoints and implementing more law enforcement during later hours, only 50% of drunk drivers are stopped on the road.

Alcohol Restrictions In Thailand

Presently, the sale of alcohol in Thailand is from 11 am to 2 pm and then from 5 pm to midnight. The schedule for serving alcohol has been enforced since 2015. Since the pandemic has slowed, bars and nightclubs can only be open until 1 am.

Driving Without Drinking, Drinking WIthout Driving

Photo Credit: Chris F.

Dr. Opas of the Public Health Ministry has also shared his plans for the New Year holidays. Endorsing the campaign “Driving without drinking, drinking without driving.” To promote safety and prevent accidents during the festivities.

Rollout in stages:

There will be three stages to the new campaign. In the first stage, the periods where alcohol can be sold will be strictly enforced. In the second stage, during New Year celebrations, expect to see more police checkpoints than usual. They will also test suspicious drivers for alcohol content. And in the final stage, all offenders will have been put on probation and forced to follow a treatment provided by the government of Thailand.