TOURISTS FACE $470 FINES FOR ENJOYING A COLD ONE DURING BANNED HOURS IN THAILAND – BUT THERE’S A LOOPHOLE!
- Tourists caught drinking outside permitted hours in Thailand could be slapped with fines of up to $470
- However, many hotels and licensed restaurants are exempt from the ban, providing a safe haven for thirsty travellers
- The new law is part of a tightening of alcohol regulations in the popular holiday nation, which is currently mourning the death of Queen Mother Sirikit
Tourists heading to Thailand have been warned: enjoy a cold beer or a cocktail outside permitted hours, and you could be slapped with a hefty fine of up to $470! From November 8, individuals – not just vendors – can be fined up to 10,000 Thai Baht for imbibing during banned hours.
In a bid to tighten up its alcohol laws, Thailand has introduced the harsh new penalties, which target both locals and tourists alike. The country has long had restrictions on the sale of booze, with a general ban on sales between 2pm and 5pm, and from midnight to 11am. But now, tourists caught with a drink in hand during these times could face the wrath of the law.
“It’s a given that Australians should be respectful of local customs, culture and laws when overseas,” Luxury Escapes CEO Adam Schwab warned. “What tourists need to be mindful of is that they can’t just walk into a 7-11 or unlicensed venue and buy alcohol during prohibited hours.”
However, there is a silver lining for thirsty travellers. Many hotels, resorts, and licensed restaurants and entertainment venues are exempt from the ban, providing a safe haven for tourists looking to enjoy a cold one or a glass of wine over lunch. “The recent changes to Thailand’s alcohol regulations will have minimal effect on holiday-makers,” Schwab added. “They’ll still be able to enjoy afternoon poolside cocktails or a glass of wine over lunch.”
Flight Centre Travel Group global leisure CEO James Kavanagh also warned tourists to be “a little more mindful of timing and where they choose to shop, dine and drink”. “You can get fined for simply having a drink in your hand outside service hours, even if you ordered it within the legal time period,” he cautioned.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Thailand destination specialist Helen Wheat said the restrictions should encourage tourists to explore other activities outside permitted drinking hours. “Thailand’s evenings offer far more than just the party scene,” she said. “In Bangkok, the Asiatique Riverfront is perfect for picking up souvenirs and enjoying open-air dining along the water. For something a little more local, the Rot Fai Market (Ratchada) is a favourite for its vintage stalls and late-night street food.”
The changes to alcohol laws come at a sensitive time for Thailand, which is currently mourning the death of Queen Mother Sirikit. The nation will observe a one-year mourning period, during which public activities, events and business operations may be modified to reflect the national atmosphere of mourning.