Arguably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Thailand welcomes millions of people into its top cities, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and the legendary island of Phuket. In fact, Bangkok was the leading city by international arrivals in 2024, with approximately 32 million in-bound trips, according to the Euromonitor International.
Nicknamed the Land of Smiles, the people in Thailand are very welcoming and super friendly. You can also feel the vibrant culture and presence of white elephants as soon as you set foot in the Southeast Asian country.
Author of the best selling book Crazy Rich Asians, Kevin Kwan once lamented not spending enough time in Thailand.
“One of the dreams on my wish list is to spend more time in Thailand,” Kwan once said.
Late TV presenter, James Myers also once remarked that “The food and the people in Thailand never let you down and Bangkok is an astonishing place – the culture’s lovely and gentle.”
However, the kindness of the people you meet should not always distract you from the fact that there are strict laws on some aspects of social life in the country.
In this article, Kate Richardson, travel blogger and tourism consultant helps you understand Thai laws and its restrictions on alcoholic beverages.
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What is the Legal Drinking Age in Thailand?
Generally, alcohol consumption is legal in Thailand, but the sale of alcohol to minors is where the Thai people draw the line. In Europe, vendors are usually allowed to sell alcohol to anyone above the age 16. Some other countries put the age for purchasing and consuming alcohol at the age of 18. However, in Thailand the legal age for purchasing alcohol is far higher.
The minimum age to buy alcohol in Thailand is 20 years old. What this means is that persons below the age of 20 cannot be served alcohol in the country, regardless of whether the person is a local or tourist. In fact, many bars and restaurants would typically ask for proof of age they sell alcohol or even open to individuals who appear younger than the age limit.
It’s worth noting that this restriction is strictly enforced by all establishments that sell alcohol in the country, including hotels and supermarkets. Beyond the age restrictions, there are additional prohibitions on the times that alcohol can be sold or consumed.
You can purchase alcohol from 11 am to 2 pm, and from 5 pm to midnight. But outside those hours, consuming alcohol in public comes with legal consequences.
A Rundown of Thai Alcohol Laws and Responsible Drinking Regulations
Unsurprisingly, there are local laws and regulations that underpin the different restrictions against buying, selling or drinking alcohol in the country. We explore these laws in greater detail below.
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2008
Known as the ABC Act by law enforcement, this legislation increased the legal age requirements to purchase or consume alcohol from 18 to 20 years. It also makes it illegal to sell alcohol or advertise it in public between 2pm and 5pm. While Thai lawmakers are making efforts to amend this law in view of growing tourism in the country, the law is still in force.
In a recent move by Thai authorities, bars, restaurants, clubs and other nightlife locations are exempted from the time restrictions. This exemption means that these establishments can sell alcohol to individuals throughout their regular open hours. However, no one would be allowed to consume alcohol outside of these designated places.
The same applies to visiting a casino in Thailand. Since it’s characterized as a nightlife establishment, the sale of alcohol in casino bars and resorts are generally permitted round the clock.
However, you don’t have to visit a physical casino to enjoy a wholesome experience as there are many online platforms offering gambling services.
You can check out reviews of online casinos in Thailand where experts offer tips about a wide range of games including slots, poker and roulette. Online casinos are also very flexible making them an attractive option for those who prefer to gamble in a comfortable environment.
Liquor Act
Under this 75-year-old law, individuals are prohibited from making their own beer. To legally produce alcohol, interested entities would need to obtain a license from the Thai government. Failure to do this could lead to significant legal issues for such producers. There are also tax implications and other requirements established by law for those looking to compete in Thailand’s alcoholic beverage market.
In 2022, Thailand introduced some regulations to ease the challenges posed to willing investors under the Liquor Act. Now, non-commercial liquor production is permitted but producers are not allowed beyond 200 liters and they must adhere to safety standards.
Penalties for Underage Drinking in Thailand
The reasons for the ban on underage drinking and other alcohol restrictions are not far-fetched. By institutionalizing some of these laws, Thailand aims to avoid underage drinking, prevent drinking and driving, as well as to promote the local customs and religious values of the people.
Now, before going to Thailand, you should know that these prohibitions do not apply if you simply enjoy a drink in your house or hotel room, outside of the public eye.
And on the flip side, if you’re caught violating any of these laws, here is a rundown of the possible punishments to expect:
- Heavy fines, usually up to 10,000 THB (approximately 300 USD)
- Closure of establishments that provide alcohol to minors
- Imprisonment in more severe cases such as driving under the influence.
Beyond the fact that you’ll face fines, there are additional punishments for dealing in other harmful substances like illegal drugs. Possession of cannabis for non-recreational purposes or other illicit narcotics could lead to fines, imprisonment, deportation in the case of tourists and even the death penalty.
FAQs on Legal Age to Consume Alcohol in Thailand
Is there a restriction on alcohol sales to minors the same across the country?
Yes, the law is the same across the country and there are no regional differences in the minimum age for alcohol sales.
What is the age of consent in the country?
The official age of consent in Thailand is 15. However, it is important to know that the drinking age in Thailand is 20 and this differs from the age of consent.
Is passport or ID verification required to purchase alcohol?
Typically, many establishments may ask to see your ID before selling beers, spirits or other drinks. If you ever come under police investigation for alcohol related offences, you may also be required to submit your passport as a tourist.