Daytime Drinking Faces $300 Fine in Thailand Under New Law
New Regulation on Alcohol Consumption in Thailand A new regulation that came into effect on November 8 has introduced stricter rules regarding the consumption of alcohol in restaurants across Thailand. According to the law, individuals found sitting and drinking alcohol outside of permitted hours—specifically from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight—could face fines of up to 10,000 baht (approximately US$300). This measure aims to control public behavior and ensure that establishments adhere to specific guidelines. For example, if a customer is served a bottle of beer at 1:59 p.m. and continues to drink on the premises until 2:05 p.m., they would be considered in violation of the regulation. Such cases could result in penalties for both the customer and the establishment, depending on how the law is enforced. Public Reaction and Criticism The introduction of this rule has sparked significant backlash from both locals and international media. Reports indicate that many people ...