Bangkok, May 9 – Thailand’s government has announced a partial lifting of its longstanding ban on alcohol sales during major Buddhist holidays, marking a significant policy shift aimed at supporting the tourism sector while maintaining respect for religious traditions.

Thailand Eases Alcohol Ban on Buddhist Holidays in Select Locations

The new regulation, published in the Royal Gazette on May 8 and taking effect immediately, will allow limited alcohol sales at approved venues during five important Buddhist holidays, beginning with this Sunday’s Visakha Bucha Day. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra signed the order following months of deliberation about modernizing Thailand’s alcohol laws.

Under the revised rules, hotels, international airports, licensed entertainment venues, and tourism establishments in designated areas will be permitted to serve alcohol during:

• Visakha Bucha Day (May 11)

• Makha Bucha Day

• Asalha Bucha Day

• Buddhist Lent Day

• End of Buddhist Lent Day

Alcohol ban eased on Buddhist holy days in selected areas from Saturday

In a historic move, Thailand is lifting its alcohol sale ban during religious holidays and will now allow vendors in certain places to sell drinks.

Read More: 👇 pic.twitter.com/A7eEytydqy

— Chrome Crumpet (@ChromeCrumpet) May 9, 2025

Where You Can Drink:
✈️ International airports
🏨 Licensed hotel bars and restaurants
🎭 Approved entertainment zones (Pattaya, Phuket, Bangkok’s Khaosan Road)
🏟️ Venues hosting international events

However, significant restrictions remain in place. The controversial afternoon alcohol ban (2-5 PM) continues unchanged, and local convenience stores will still be prohibited from selling alcohol on these holy days. Authorities also noted that separate election-day alcohol bans will remain enforced.

The Ministry of Public Health is working urgently to finalize the list of approved venues, though it remains unclear whether this will be completed before Sunday’s Visakha Bucha observances. Tourism operators have welcomed the change, with hoteliers estimating the previous ban cost the industry hundreds of millions of baht annually in lost revenue.

Thailand considers lifting alcohol ban on afternoons and religious days

This reform follows a successful 2024 pilot program that allowed alcohol sales at international airports during Buddhist holidays. The move represents a careful balancing act for the government as it seeks to maintain Thailand’s cultural heritage while supporting its vital tourism economy during the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign.

-Thailand News (TN)