BANGKOK, THAILAND – A nationwide pre‑election alcohol ban affected tourists and hospitality businesses across Thailand, triggering frustration in resorts and sharp revenue losses in peak season.
Nationwide alcohol halt before parliamentary vote
Under rules set by the Election Commission, the sale, serving, distribution and gifting of alcohol was banned from 6 p.m. on 7 February to 6 p.m. on 8 February.
The prohibition applied nationwide to all bars and restaurants, as well as supermarkets, hotels, convenience stores and night venues, regardless of whether guests were eligible to vote.
Surprised diners in Bangkok
On 1 February, when the first 24‑hour restriction for advance voting took effect, tourists at a restaurant in Bangkok were surprised to find they could not order wine with their meal.
Restaurant operator Sorathep Steve, who runs five venues in the capital, said a group that had just arrived from the United States was clearly disappointed and, after he explained the legal situation, had to settle for lemon soda.
Steep revenue losses for city operators
According to Sorathep, takings during the advance‑voting weekend fell by around fifty percent, which he directly linked to the alcohol ban and the high share of foreign guests.
He said about half of his clientele came from abroad, so his businesses felt the restrictions particularly strongly, especially as it was the main travel season.
Phuket venues brace for heavier impact
In Phuket, Benny De Bellis, who operates several establishments there, reported a revenue drop of about thirty percent during the first “dry day.”
For the main election weekend he expected even more severe effects, forecasting losses of up to fifty percent, even though his team had prepared guests with information signs and explanations.
Bars fear near‑total collapse in takings
Nearby, Sumitha Soorian, owner of Mrs B Bar & Table, anticipated that bar turnover would fall by up to ninety percent because of the alcohol restrictions.
This hit businesses particularly hard whose core operations depended on drinks and which were heavily reliant on international holidaymakers during the high season.
Authorities defend long‑standing rule
Officials stressed that the long‑standing election‑period alcohol ban was intended to make vote‑buying more difficult and keep election day calm.
Industry critics in the tourism sector argued instead that the rule was being applied in the busiest travel months, damaged the country’s image as a carefree destination and mainly affected foreign guests who could not vote at all.
Falling arrivals and image concerns
Last year, official data recorded 33 million international arrivals, a decline of 7.2 percent, which was also attributed to natural disasters and border tensions with Cambodia.
Bill Barnett of consultancy C9 Hotelworks warned, according to the Bangkok Post, that repeated high‑season restrictions could change how regular visitors perceived the country and that a damaged reputation would be harder to repair in the long term than short‑term revenue losses.
“Repeated restrictions in the high season could change how regular visitors perceive the country, and a battered reputation would be harder to repair in the long term than short-term revenue losses.”
said Bill Barnett, consultant at C9 Hotelworks.
Stricter alcohol law adds confusion
Further uncertainty came from the updated Alcohol Control Act, which, after entering into force, drew criticism from business owners, tourists and the wider hospitality sector.
The new rules introduced penalties not only for sellers but also for consumers who drank alcohol outside permitted hours, creating significant confusion in the market, according to industry representatives.
Penalties and official guidance
Violations of the election alcohol ban could be punished with fines or even imprisonment, according to the competent authorities.
The authorities called on residents and visitors to prepare for the restrictions in good time and, if necessary, stock up in advance, while eligible voters were urged to inform themselves well and cast their ballots responsibly.
“We call on residents and visitors to prepare for the restrictions in good time and, if necessary, to shop in advance, while eligible voters should inform themselves well and vote responsibly.”
said election authorities, in an appeal to the public.