Thai PM considers lifting ban on alcohol sales in the afternoon to boost tourism

Thai Prime Minister Sritha Thawisin is considering ending a 52-year-old ban on alcohol sales in the afternoon following requests from the tourism industry, which is facing higher costs and lower consumer spending.

"Prime Minister Sritha is pleased to consider proposals from restaurant operators to change laws banning the sale of alcoholic beverages between 2pm and 5pm," according to a statement on the Royal Thai Government website.

Removing this ban could bring relief to many tourists in Thailand, where temperatures reach around 38 degrees Celsius, and help bars, hotels and restaurants.

On July 2, the Restaurant Business Club sent a letter to Prime Minister Sritha, calling for urgent measures, including ending the ban on alcohol sales in the afternoon, to help with rising costs and a sluggish economy.

"We have to look at the overall picture on this," Prime Minister Sritha said.

The prime minister is under pressure to revive Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, with a recent survey showing more than half of Thais are unhappy with his performance.

Thailand aims to attract 36.7 million travellers in 2024 to boost GDP growth to 3 percent. In the first half of the year, the country welcomed 17.5 million foreign tourists.

Despite visitors returning, the Thai Hotel Association recently requested aid, including tax cuts or subsidies for renovations, as they grapple with an uneven recovery following the pandemic.

The three-hour ban on alcohol sales has been in place since 1972, when Thailand became one of the world's top holiday destinations.

The push for immediate tourism measures comes as Thailand prepares to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic, tightening regulations on planting, selling, and importing and exporting. This is notable because Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis two years ago