Elimination of Afternoon Alcohol Sales Ban Could Inject B50-100 Billion into Thai Economy
PUBLISHED : 20 Feb 2025 at 18:48
Removing the ban on afternoon alcohol sales in Thailand could potentially boost the economy by an additional 50-100 billion baht, according to industry leaders. This financial windfall is expected to largely stem from spending by foreign tourists.
Industry representatives report that “high-quality” tourists are inclined to spend an additional US$250 daily on premium food and beverage options during their visits.
Anchalee Poomsirkaew, a representative from the Asia-Pacific International Spirits and Wines Association, indicated that revenue could soar to 100 billion baht if four specific restrictions are lifted.
The restrictions currently apply to alcohol sales between 2 PM and 5 PM, on the five most significant Buddhist holy days, through e-commerce platforms, and outside designated areas.
Officials, including Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, have called for a reassessment of these seemingly outdated restrictions, prompting the Ministry of Public Health to explore the proposals.
According to Rawat Khongchat from the Night Restaurant Business Trade Association, the removal of the three-hour afternoon ban should generate a minimum of 10 billion baht for the national economy. He highlighted that tourists often find this rule perplexing and detrimental to their holiday enjoyment.
There are also calls from nightlife stakeholders to extend zoning regulations for restaurants, enabling them to open past midnight and boost tourist spending.
Rawat suggested that while not all provinces need extended service hours, key tourist hotspots like Bangkok should see an expansion in designated zones. Currently, Bangkok features three such areas: Phetchaburi Tat Mai Road (RCA), Silom (Patpong Road), and Ratchadaphisek Road.
Given prevailing public concerns about lifting restrictions on Buddhist holy days, a gradual approach might involve lifting the afternoon ban initially and considering further changes down the line.
According to a recent report from an economic consultancy, tourists are ready to pay an extra $250 (approximately 8,400 baht) daily for high-quality food and beverage options, reflecting a strong market preference.
A comprehensive survey indicated that 71% of 1,800 respondents from major Southeast Asian tourism markets—China, South Korea, Australia, the US, and the UK—view food and beverage experiences as a key factor influencing their travel decisions, surpassing interest in historical and cultural sites.
Among high-income respondents, the significance of food and beverage options became even more pronounced, with 75% deeming it a vital factor in destination selection and 78% emphasizing value for money in their choices.
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, noted that the current alcohol sales regulations are not conducive to attracting foreign tourists, who often find them limiting during their holidays, particularly during dinner cruises on Buddhist holy days.
