Thai Government plans to scrap alcohol zoning, extend Hours to 4AM from 2AM, relax the alcohol sales ban between 2PM and 5PM
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has directed government agencies to lift restrictions on alcohol sales and extend nightlife operating hours, in a move expected to boost state revenue by hundreds of billions of baht. The proposal includes abolishing the current zoning system for alcohol sales and allowing entertainment venues to stay open until 4AM, two hours later than the existing 2AM closing time.
According to a Government House source on 22 October 2025, the decision was made during the Cabinet meeting on 21 October. Anutin instructed the Interior Ministry (MOI) and the Public Health Ministry (MOPH) to work together on revising regulations to permit alcohol sales across the country without zoning limitations. The initiative also aims to relax the nationwide alcohol sales ban between 2PM and 5PM, with implementation targeted for January 2026, before Parliament is dissolved.
In addition to the extended operating hours, the government plans to simplify business regulations by replacing the current licensing system for entertainment venues with a more straightforward registration process. Officials estimate that the combined measures could generate hundreds of billions of baht in tax revenue. To remove zoning restrictions, amendments will be needed to ministerial regulations under the Interior Ministry, while the control of alcoholic beverages remains under the jurisdiction of the Public Health Ministry.
Currently, under the Ministerial Regulation on Operating Hours for Entertainment Venues (No. 3) B.E. 2566 (2023), nightclubs and bars in four provinces and one district, Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui in Surat Thani, are already permitted to open until 4AM. Entertainment venues located within hotels nationwide are also covered by this provision.
In Bangkok, zoning areas authorised for extended hours include Silom, Patpong, RCA Phetchaburi Road and Ratchadaphisek. Data from the city’s 50 district offices indicate that there are 207 licensed entertainment venues across 33 districts, of which 73 are within designated zones and 134 outside, including 24 located inside hotels.
If approved, the proposal would effectively remove geographic restrictions, allowing businesses nationwide to operate more freely and encouraging nightlife-driven tourism. The Interior and Public Health ministries are now expected to finalise the regulatory amendments to ensure the changes take effect early next year.
Key Takeaways
• PM Anutin has ordered the end of alcohol zoning and later closing times for nightlife venues.
• The government expects the changes to increase tax revenues by hundreds of billions of baht.
• Implementation is targeted for January 2026, before Parliament’s dissolution.
Source: Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-10-23
Source: https://aseannow.com/topic/1376743-anutin-plans-to-scrap-alcohol-zoning-extend-hours-to-4am/#google_vignette
