Thailand prepares to relax alcohol ban on religious holidays to woo more tourists

Tourists are often surprised to find bars shut on religious holidays. Now Thailand plans to allow alcohol sales at some locations and events

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Walking Street in Pattaya, Thailand. Tourists drawn by the country’s nightlife are often surprised bars close on religious holidays. Now the Thai government plans to relax its ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks during Buddhist holidays. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 3:15pm, 5 Mar 2025

Thailand is preparing to allow limited sales of alcohol on Buddhist holidays to cater to tourists, the latest step in the country’s effort to woo more overseas visitors.

The government plans to allow the sale of alcoholic drinks in legally designated zones, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said. The change could be implemented before May 11, a Buddhist holiday in Thailand, he said.

Thailand is already one of Asia’s top tourist destinations, thanks to its beaches, often boisterous nightlife and status as the only country in Asia that has decriminalised cannabis. But plenty of tourists seeking respite from the tropical heat with a cold beer have been surprised to find bars shut on religious holidays.

Not all venues may be able to sell alcohol once the changes go through, but thirsty tourists could be catered for in hotels, venues hosting major events and places officially classified as service or tourism areas.

Tourists and visitors to Thailand are often confused about its restrictions on the sale of alcohol on religious holidays and at certain times of the day. Photo: Shutterstock

The plan is subject to public hearing for 15 days, after which it would then go to the minister of health for certification – and on to the prime minister for approval.

Thailand prepares to relax alcohol ban on religious holidays to woo more tourists

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Tourists are often surprised to find bars shut on religious holidays. Now Thailand plans to allow alcohol sales at some locations and events

Tourists are often surprised to find bars shut on religious holidays. Now Thailand plans to allow alcohol sales at some locations and events