Alcohol Sales and Consumption in Thailand

When Can You Buy Alcohol in Thailand?

Legal Age

The minimum age to purchase or consume alcohol in Thailand is 20 years old, for both Thais and foreigners.

Alcohol Sale Hours in Thailand

• Since December 2, 2025, alcohol sales are allowed from 11 a.m. to midnight.
• Outside these hours, sales are prohibited for most shops, restaurants, and bars unless they have a special license. An amendment from November 2025 also allows authorities to fine anyone consuming alcohol outside legal sale hours (except in private spaces or in authorized establishments), but in practice this does not seem to be enforced unless drunkenness leads to disturbances.

Exception Venues

• Registered hotels
• International airports (passenger areas)
• Entertainment venues with the appropriate license (clubs, licensed bars)

In these places, alcohol consumption may be possible outside standard sale hours.

Days When Alcohol Sales Are Prohibited

In Thailand, the sale and consumption of alcohol are also prohibited during major Buddhist holidays. These holy days are observed throughout the country: supermarkets, bars and restaurants must suspend alcohol sales, even to tourists — although in practice, bars and restaurants often still serve alcohol, but 7-Eleven stores will not sell it on those days. Additionally, alcohol sales are strictly prohibited on the eve and the day of national or local elections to prevent incidents related to alcohol consumption.

Where Can You Buy Alcohol in Thailand?

In Thailand, alcohol can be purchased in most convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lotus’s Go Fresh, Big C Mini), supermarkets, and specialty shops. Large supermarkets offer a wide range of beers, wines, and spirits, while small convenience stores mainly sell local beers and some strong liquors. However, these stores must comply with the legal sale hours (see above). Outside these time slots, sales are strictly prohibited, even if the products are visible on the shelves. Alcohol can also be purchased in certain restaurants, bars, hotels, and licensed clubs where on-site consumption is allowed. Note that it is forbidden to sell alcohol near schools, temples, government buildings and in certain protected tourist zones.

Restricted Sale and Consumption in Certain Destinations

In some regions of southern Thailand, the population is predominantly Muslim, a religion that prohibits the consumption of alcohol. In large cities and tourist destinations, alcohol is still relatively easy to find, but there are islands such as Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, among others, where alcohol sales and consumption are often highly restricted out of respect for local traditions. It is still possible to find alcohol in certain tourist resorts or shops run by non-Muslims, but the selection is more limited. Travelers are encouraged to respect local customs and avoid drinking alcohol in public areas or residential zones.