Thailand is a welcoming country renowned for its hospitality and acceptance of different cultures. However, there are still rules and regulations in place which travellers should be aware of. This includes the sale of alcohol.
Legal drinking age in Thailand
- Minimum age: 20 years old
- ID checks are common in cities and tourist areas
- Penalties for underage drinking or selling to minors
Times when alcohol can be sold
In Thailand, shops like 7-Eleven can sell alcohol at certain times: between 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–24:00. Alcohol may be sold outside these hours in the following locations:
- Bars
- Licensed entertainment venues
- Hotels
- International airport terminals (serving outbound international flights)
There is more room for leniency in tourist areas and nightlife zones (e.g. Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, etc.). Enforcement can vary by location, with some entertainment zones legally permitted to have extended operating hours. At some nightlife venues, alcohol serving stops at 2 am, while at other venues it may extend much later.
Alcohol ban on public transport
Alcohol is prohibited on trains and in railway stations. It is against the law to carry or consume alcohol on trains, in stations or on railway property. Violators risk fines and legal action. There is currently only one specific exception (a designated event area at Bangkok Railway Station), but even then, it is strictly limited to specially approved events.
(Photo: Rapaeh / Shutterstock.com)
The alcohol ban on public transport also covers buses and taxis. Travellers should also note that drinking alcohol in private cars (even as a passenger) is not allowed under Thai law.
Drinking in public
Drinking alcohol is prohibited in:
- Temples and religious sites
- Government buildings and public offices
- Parks and public transportation
- Petrol stations
Religious holidays
Under Thai law, alcohol cannot be sold in shops on certain Buddhist holidays:
- Makha Bucha (February/March)
- Visakha Bucha (May/June)
- Asahna Bucha (July/early August)
- Wan Khao Phansa (July/early August)
- Awk Phansa (usually in October)
The exact dates of each holiday vary year to year depending on the lunar calendar.
Dates of Buddhist holidays in Thailand
The laws were relaxed in May 2025 and alcohol can now be sold on Buddhist holidays in some areas. This includes designated entertainment zones, tourism zones, and hotel bars.
Election dates
In addition to the religious holidays listed above, alcohol sales are also restricted on election days. This includes local as well as national elections.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
It should go without saying not to drive under the influence in any country. In Thailand, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for most drivers (lower for drivers under 20 or newly qualified drivers).
Police checkpoints are common, especially during holidays. Penalties can be severe, with fines up to 60,000 Baht and possible jail time or license suspension. Foreign drivers who break the law may face deportation in severe cases.
