The Pattaya News
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BANGKOK — On November 8th, 2025, Thailand ushered in an overhaul of its alcohol regulations with the enforcement of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 (2025), commonly known as ABCA No. 2. Published in the Royal Gazette on September 9th with a 90 day window to becoming codified, this amendment marks the […]

Editorial: Alcohol Law Amendment in Thailand Causes Mass Confusion, Differing Statements, Demand For Changes From Hospitality Industry
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If you are confused by the content of this article, suggest you read Thailand’s mainstream media. The key points are as follows

New key additions to the existing 1972 Alcohol laws

• Drinkers are now in the frame 
• Marketing and advertising alcoholic beverages must be factual in content.

Exemptions that previously covered night life establishment and the airport for sale of alcohol will remain. The PM has made clear that he will ensure the exemptions remain. 

The issues that are rattling the Thais

• The original law which came into effect in 1972 has never provided exemptions to retail outlets (other than Duty Free and Airports) or restaurants. Yet never being enforced or selectively enforced. The Restaurant Lobby is seeking exemption which was granted to the nightlife industry. 
• We all know when alcohol cannot be purchased in 7-11 and supermarket. No change. 
• Bangkok Post made it clear that businesses are worried that enforcement will be done for “personal gain” using the new amendments as pretext. Their words and we all know what it means exactly. This what the restaurant industry is fearing. 

20% of Thailand’s GDP comes from Tourism. So i can assure you come Dec 9th, the beer will continue to flow from Soi 6 to  Walking Street with no disruption. Tomcat will continue to select vulnerable punters with their compulsory rack before ST. 

Thailand always had a problem with their males consuming alcohol in the afternoon especially all over rural Thailand. They need to address it. Loss of productivity. 

Who needs to be concerned ;

• Restaurants clearly 
• Hostel selling liquor to back packers. 
• Consumers at these outlets 

 

 

 

3 minutes ago, Joeleg said:

If you are confused by the content of this article, suggest you read Thailand’s mainstream media. The key points are as follows

New key additions to the existing 1972 Alcohol laws

• Drinkers are now in the frame 
• Marketing and advertising alcoholic beverages must be factual in content.

Exemptions that previously covered night life establishment and the airport for sale of alcohol will remain. The PM has made clear that he will ensure the exemptions remain. 

The issues that are rattling the Thais

• The original law which came into effect in 1972 has never provided exemptions to retail outlets (other than Duty Free and Airports) or restaurants. Yet never being enforced or selectively enforced. The Restaurant Lobby is seeking exemption which was granted to the nightlife industry. 
• We all know when alcohol cannot be purchased in 7-11 and supermarket. No change. 
• Bangkok Post made it clear that businesses are worried that enforcement will be done for “personal gain” using the new amendments as pretext. Their words and we all know what it means exactly. This what the restaurant industry is fearing. 

20% of Thailand’s GDP comes from Tourism. So i can assure you come Dec 9th, the beer will continue to flow from Soi 6 to  Walking Street with no disruption. Tomcat will continue to select vulnerable punters with their compulsory rack before ST. 

Thailand always had a problem with their males consuming alcohol in the afternoon especially all over rural Thailand. They need to address it. Loss of productivity. 

Who needs to be concerned ;

• Restaurants clearly 
• Hostel selling liquor to back packers. 
• Consumers at these outlets 

 

 

 

Think you glossed over a main issue  :    They boys in brown will target naive tourist for a quick payday.    Guaranteed.    It may not be you or I.   But it will happen to tourists ..  They will have a screenshot of this law on their phone  and ask for payment on the spot.      There needs to be something black and white what areas are excluded.  And as of right now.   Nothing is in black or white.    So up to them who they fine   

1 minute ago, HimBadMan said:

Think you glossed over a main issue  :    They boys in brown will target naive tourist for a quick payday.    Guaranteed.    It may not be you or I.   But it will happen to tourists ..  They will have a screenshot of this law on their phone  and ask for payment on the spot.      There needs to be something black and white what areas are excluded.  And as of right now.   Nothing is in black or white.    So up to them who they fine   

I actually mentioned what Bangkok Post said about “personal gain”. 

See below. 

8 minutes ago, Joeleg said:

Bangkok Post made it clear that businesses are worried that enforcement will be done for “personal gain” using the new amendments as pretext. Their words and we all know what it means exactly. This what the restaurant industry is fearing. 

 

1 minute ago, Joeleg said:

I actually mentioned what Bangkok Post said about “personal gain”. 

See below. 

 

I saw it.   Thx 🙏 

Edited November 9, 2025Nov 9 by HimBadMan