Hotels, Tourist Venues Exempt from Thailand’s Buddhist Holiday Alcohol Ban

Thailand has revised its regulations on alcohol sales during major Buddhist holidays, allowing certain establishments, including hotels, licensed entertainment venues, and designated tourist destinations, to sell alcoholic beverages on these days.

Recently published in the Royal Gazette on 6 November 2026, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee made its announcement, titled Prescribing Days on Which the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages Is Prohibited, B.E. 2569 (2026). The revised regulation takes effect on 7 November, replacing the previous announcement issued on 7 May 2025.

Under the new regulation, alcohol sales remain prohibited on five major Buddhist holidays: Makha Bucha Day (Magha Puja), Visakha Bucha Day (Vesak Day), Asalha Bucha Day (Asalha Puja Day), Buddhist Lent Day (Khao Phansa), and the end of Buddhist Lent day (Ok Phansa).

However, exceptions are now permitted for the following establishments:
- Passenger service buildings within international airports serving international flights;
- Licensed entertainment venues under the Entertainment Place Act;
- Establishments operating similarly to entertainment venues in designated tourist areas, as specified by the Ministry of Public Health with recommendations from the Ministry of Interior;
- Hotels operating under the Hotel Act;
- Venues hosting special national or international events that attract large numbers of participants, as designated by the Ministry of Public Health upon recommendations from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Establishments eligible for these exemptions must implement screening procedures and appropriate measures to maintain public order, ensure public safety, and prevent children and young people from accessing alcoholic beverages.

Source: PR Thai Government