Alcohol ban in Thailand set for 29–30 July

Long holiday ahead in Thailand with two days of alcohol restrictions

Thailand will observe three consecutive public holidays from Tuesday, 28 July to Thursday, 30 July, with alcohol sales restricted during the final two days.

The holidays are His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday on 28 July, Asalha Bucha Day on 29 July and Khao Phansa, or Buddhist Lent Day, on 30 July. Government offices will be closed throughout the three-day period.

Private-sector holiday arrangements will depend on individual employers.

Alcohol sales restrictions on Buddhist holidays

The sale of alcoholic drinks will be prohibited for 24 hours on both 29 and 30 July, from midnight until midnight, under rules covering important Buddhist holidays.

The restrictions will apply to businesses including convenience stores, supermarkets, grocery shops, restaurants and bars.

However, the current regulations provide exemptions for five categories: passenger areas at international airports, properly licensed entertainment venues, qualifying businesses in officially designated tourism areas, licensed hotels and approved venues hosting national or international special events.

Businesses must meet the relevant licensing and location requirements to qualify for an exemption. Operators outside those categories are prohibited from selling alcohol during the two-day period.

Anyone found breaching the restrictions could face up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.

Anyone planning to go out on 29 or 30 July is advised to contact the venue beforehand to confirm whether it is permitted to serve alcohol.

Government offices and banks

Government services, including Immigration, Department of Land Transport, district offices and municipal offices, are expected to close from 28 to 30 July. Residents with official business should complete urgent paperwork beforehand or confirm reopening times directly with the relevant office.

Bank holidays differ from government holidays. Financial institutions are scheduled to close on Tuesday, 28 July and Wednesday, 29 July, but Thursday, 30 July is not listed as a bank holiday. Individual branches, particularly those inside shopping centres, may follow different opening hours.