Aussie travellers hoping to crack open a cold one while holidaying in Thailand could soon cop a hefty fine if they're busted sipping alcohol outside legal hours. Known for its stunning scenery, beaches and party atmosphere, tens of millions of visitors flock to budget-friendly destination every year.
Now, in what one leading travel expert told Yahoo News Australia appears to be an ongoing bid to balance tourism and safety, government officials have announced changes to its drinking laws -- with additional tweaks expected in 2026.
From November 8, tourists and locals caught trying to sneak a drink in a licensed venue outside of designated hours will face a penalty of up to 10,000 Thai Baht (A$460), local media reports.
In Thailand, the sale of alcohol has long been banned between 2pm and 5pm, and between midnight and 11am. The rule reportedly was introduced over 50 years ago to deter workers from enjoying a tipple on their break.
Earlier this year, officials announced the restricted afternoon hours would no longer apply for restaurants, licensed hotels, entertainment venues, and airports. However, the ban is still in place for supermarkets and convenience stores.
The new fine will likely be aimed at customers caught consuming a beverage at a bar after midnight. Venues that serve alcohol under the table after closing time have always risked a penalty of up to 10,000 baht, but now patrons can also be punished.
There are exceptions in hotels and within entertainment precincts, in cities like Phuket and Bangkok, where venues are allowed to open late.
Given the loosening of restrictions at restaurants and hotels, the fine shouldn't pose too much of a problem for tourists, Quentin Long, Managing Director at Australian Traveller Media, told Yahoo.
"Just be aware and observe the rules. Particularly if you are given warnings or advice from staff and authorities. Many people wouldn't realise the legal drinking age in Thailand is 20," he said.
Intrepid Travel's South East Asia General Manager, Mike Stewart, has shared similar advice, urging Aussie travellers to simply "be mindful of local laws and plan accordingly, just as you would with any destination".
"The best approach is to respect local regulations and drink responsibly. If you're heading out for a meal, plan around the permitted hours, as most restaurants and bars in tourist areas are well-versed in these timeframes," he said, adding the expanded service at restaurants "will likely make the overall experience in Thailand more convenient".
"Most establishments already follow the legal hours, so unless you're actively seeking out alcohol outside those times, it's hard to accidentally break the rules."
Further changes could be on the horizon for the country's nightlife, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul proposing lifting alcohol zoning laws and extending closing time for late-night bars and venues until 4am.
The proposal would allow pubs and clubs in four provinces to extend their closing hours from 2am to 4am. Areas affected include Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Koh Samui.
Last week, Charnvirakul directed the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Public Health to investigate the potentially significant changes, which would also include eliminating the 2pm to 5pm alcohol sales ban entirely, local outlets report.
The new rules, including the 4am late closing, could generate an additional 500 billion baht (A$23.4 billion) in tax revenue, and are expected to be rolled out in early 2026. The push to modernise nightlife regulations nationwide may attract even more tourists to Thailand, Long told Yahoo.
"But it would be around certain events and destinations, like Koh Phangan's Full Moon party and alike, which already have a strong party reputation; this could enhance that."
However, he warned the changes could be "a double-edged sword" and potentially "drive away more families or travellers not interested in partying".
Earlier this week, the Tourism Authority of Thailand warned anyone planning on visiting the country that activities may be affected over the next 12 months as it mourns the death of Queen Mother Sirikit.
Thailand's back and forth on alcohol restrictions is indicative of a larger trend being seen across South East Asia, from places like Cambodia to Bali, Long explained.
"It is a continuous process where governments across South East Asia are trying to improve tourist behaviour without curbing arrivals," he said. "Tourists behaving badly tends to have negative effects on locals and other tourists, so it can be devastating to local economies and communities."