New Thai Alcohol Rules Put Drinkers on the Hook for Fines

People in Thailand wanting to quench their thirst with an afternoon tipple risk steep fines from Saturday under amended alcohol control legislation that strengthens enforcement and significantly tightens restrictions around marketing and advertising.

Alcohol sales in Thailand have been banned at most retail outlets and supermarkets between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. since 1972, but changes to The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act that take effect on Nov. 8 now mean individuals can be fined 10,000 baht ($300) or more for drinking or being served alcoholic beverages during prohibited times or in prohibited places.