Not only business owners who sold alcohol but also consumers who drank alcohol are included in the punishment.
The Thai government has announced that it can fine up to 10,000 baht if caught selling or drinking alcohol in an unallowed place after a set “restricted alcohol sale time.” The new rules will take effect on November 8.
Under Thailand’s current Liquor Management Act, the sale of alcohol is prohibited from midnight to 11 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The law was first introduced in 1972, and is in effect to reduce social problems caused by drinking and prevent excessive drinking.
For this reason, travelers visiting Thailand often cannot buy alcohol at bars after 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. or midnight, or often see refrigerators locked in convenience stores and marts.
However, as Thailand has become a global tourist destination and demand for night culture from foreign tourists has increased, demands for deregulation have been steadily raised. In June, the system was partially relaxed to allow the sale of alcohol in the afternoon at international airport terminals, hotels, and some licensed entertainment establishments.
On the other hand, regulations have been tightened this time by extending the scope of responsibility to consumers. Until now, only business owners or bars who sold alcohol during the limited time have been punished, but in the future, those who bought or drank alcohol will also have to pay fines.
Thai media reported that Thailand is known as the “mecca of night culture,” but paradoxically, it is implementing the strictest alcohol regulations in Southeast Asia. This is because not only are the hours and places of alcohol sales limited, but also advertisements recommending alcohol and discount events related to alcohol are prohibited by law.
The tourism industry is concerned that the move could have a negative impact on the tourism industry. Some officials pointed out that “strong regulation will lead to the balloon effect, which consumes alcohol in secret and becomes a blind spot for regulation.”
EJ SONG
US ASIA JOURNAL
