Australian tourists are being warned to watch the clock or risk hefty fines as Thailand cracks down on alcohol sales and drinking hours from November 8.
Under the country’s newly tightened Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, police will begin enforcing long-standing restrictions that limit when alcohol can be sold or consumed.
From Saturday, alcohol can only be bought or drunk between 11am and 2pm, and again from 5pm to midnight.
Anyone caught purchasing or sipping a drink outside those windows – even if it was ordered minutes before the cut-off – could be slapped with fines of up to 10,000 baht (around $AU470).
The new push will target popular holiday hotspots including Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, where many Australians are expected to visit over summer.
Authorities say the renewed crackdown is aimed at curbing alcohol-related crime and keeping tourist areas safe, but travel operators warn that many visitors are unaware of how strict the rules can be.
Even convenience stores and beach bars are expected to comply, with police reportedly conducting spot checks and undercover inspections. However, many hotels, licensed restaurants and entertainment venues are likely to remain exempt.
“Tourists often think these are relaxed guidelines, but this time enforcement is real,” said one Bangkok hotel manager. “If you’re seen drinking outside the permitted hours, you could be fined on the spot.”
Australian travel advisers are urging holiday-makers to plan their nights out carefully and avoid being caught mid-drink after closing time.
