BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s alcohol control committee gave in-principle approval for 24-hour alcohol sales in parts of the Eastern Economic Corridor after a 90-day review found no increase in accidents following an earlier easing of sales rules.
Decision at the Health Ministry
On 17 April at 2 p.m., Health Minister Padtana Phromphat chaired the second meeting of the committee overseeing alcoholic beverages at the Ministry of Public Health.
The session was attended by the ministry’s permanent secretary and the director-general of the Department of Disease Control, among other senior officials.
The committee reviewed the regulatory framework for alcohol sales and discussed possible adjustments linked to economic development zones.
90-day review focuses on 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Officials presented data from the first three months after sales hours had been relaxed to allow alcohol sales between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., a change that had been in force for 90 days.
The analysis was intended to clarify whether the extra sales window had any measurable impact on public health or safety.
According to the committee, the findings would guide future decisions on further loosening or maintaining existing restrictions.
Authority reports no rise in accidents
According to Montien Khanasawat, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, the months from December to March were compared with the same period a year earlier.
He said the overall number of accidents had not increased, including during the closely monitored period from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., when additional effects from the new sales hours had been expected.
“The total number of accidents did not rise, and there was no increase in the 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. period that we examined in particular.”
said Montien, director-general of the Department of Disease Control.
EEC proposal for 24-hour sales approved in principle
Another key agenda item was a proposal for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) that would modify sales restrictions so alcohol could be sold around the clock in selected areas.
The committee agreed in principle and outlined two possible zones: areas hosting events or exhibitions, and restaurants, provided that all relevant laws were respected.
“We have endorsed the principle of 24-hour sales in designated event zones and restaurants, within the framework of existing legislation.”
said Montien, director-general of the Department of Disease Control.
Religious holidays: rules unchanged, authority shifted
Asked about days on which alcohol sales are banned, Montien said the substance of the rules, which refer to important Buddhist holidays, would remain in place.
However, the way such bans are announced would change: instead of an order from the Prime Minister’s Office, future notices would be issued by the alcohol control committee chaired by the minister.
“The content of the alcohol bans on key Buddhist days stays the same, but the announcement will come from the alcohol control committee rather than the Prime Minister’s Office.”
said Montien, director-general of the Department of Disease Control.
Timeline for EEC rule and legal steps
Montien said immediate implementation after any announcement would not be possible because several legal steps were required, including a public hearing, formal issuance of the regulation and publication in the Royal Gazette.
He noted that the procedure was tied to specific deadlines of “30 days plus 30 days”, meaning the process could be completed by the end of May at the latest.
“There must be a public hearing, a formal notification and publication in the Royal Gazette, so the timeline is 30 days plus 30 days, potentially finishing by the end of May.”
said Montien, director-general of the Department of Disease Control.
Starting areas in EEC still undecided
Montien said it had not yet been decided where in the EEC the new rules would be applied first, as the plan was still only an initial proposal and no implementation had begun.
He added that the EEC should use the available information for its own assessment, including how best to attract investors.
Economic benefits were seen as possible but would have to be evaluated using additional data provided by the EEC.
“This is only a first proposal. The EEC must study the data carefully, including the investment aspect, before deciding where to start.”
said Montien, director-general of the Department of Disease Control.