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Thailand Alcohol Sales Hours, Dry Days, and Bar Rules
From May 29, 2026, Thailand’s regular alcohol sales hours are 11:00–24:00 every day, including 14:00–17:00. Separate sales restrictions apply on major Buddhist dry days, and buyers must be at least 20. Some licensed venues may stay open until 04:00 under designated conditions, so check the venue’s guidance before you visit.
At a Glance
- Regular sales hours are 11:00–24:00 every day, including 14:00–17:00.
- The five major Buddhist dry days are Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, Khao Phansa, and Ok Phansa.
- Sales restrictions on major dry days apply separately from regular operating-hour restrictions.
- The legal minimum age to buy alcohol is 20.
- Designated licensed venues may stay open until 04:00 under certain conditions.
What time can I buy alcohol in Thailand?
Regular permitted alcohol sales hours are 11:00–24:00 every day. The former ban on sales from 14:00 to 17:00 has been lifted, so you can buy alcohol during those hours too.
Regular retailers and 7-Eleven stores generally follow these hours. Separate conditions may apply at licensed venues or locations, so check the venue’s guidance.
When are Thailand’s dry days in 2026–2027?
Sales restrictions apply on major Buddhist dry days, separately from regular sales hours. Use the dates below when planning your trip.
| Year | Dry day | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Makha Bucha Day | March 3 |
| 2026 | Visakha Bucha Day | May 31 |
| 2026 | Asalha Bucha Day | July 29 |
| 2026 | Khao Phansa Day | July 30 |
| 2026 | Ok Phansa Day | October 26 |
| 2027 | Makha Bucha Day | February 21 |
| 2027 | Visakha Bucha Day | May 20 |
| 2027 | Asalha Bucha Day | July 18 |
| 2027 | Khao Phansa Day | July 19 |
| 2027 | Ok Phansa Day | Date to be announced |
How late can I visit bars in Thailand?
Regular alcohol sales end at midnight. Licensed bars and pubs in tourist areas, and licensed venues inside hotels, may stay open until 04:00 in designated locations, subject to their license conditions.
Extended hours are permitted in designated areas of Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui in Surat Thani Province, and not every bar can stay open until 04:00. Check the venue’s opening hours before visiting late at night.
What are the age requirements for buying alcohol and the rules for visiting bars in Thailand?
The legal minimum age to buy alcohol in Thailand is 20. If your age is in question, the seller may ask to see government-issued identification, so carry your passport or another ID.
Under the amended law that took effect on November 8, 2025, alcohol may not be sold to someone who is intoxicated, and sellers must check whether a customer is intoxicated. Drinking is prohibited at temples and places used for religious ceremonies. Restricted locations also include government parks, gas stations, and public transport facilities.
What to Do in These Situations
If you’re traveling on a dry day
Before buying, check whether the date is a major Buddhist dry day, and check the store’s sales notice first on the day.
If you’re looking for a bar after midnight
Check whether the venue is licensed and located in a designated area, and contact the bar directly to confirm its hours.
If a convenience store asks for ID
Be ready to show government-issued identification, such as your passport. The minimum purchase age is 20.
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Plan regular purchases between 11:00 and 24:00.
- Check whether your travel dates fall on a major Buddhist dry day.
- For bars you plan to visit after midnight, check the designated area, license status, and opening hours.
- Confirm that you are at least 20 and bring identification, such as your passport.
- Check restrictions on drinking at temples, places used for religious ceremonies, government parks, gas stations, and public transport facilities.
- Check the latest information on official websites shortly before your trip.
FAQ
Can I buy alcohol in Thailand from 14:00 to 17:00?
Yes. Since May 29, 2026, those hours are included in the regular permitted sales period, so you can buy alcohol from 14:00 to 17:00.
What are the alcohol sales hours at convenience stores in Thailand?
Regular retailers and 7-Eleven stores generally follow daily sales hours of 11:00–24:00.
Can I buy alcohol on Buddhist dry days in Thailand?
Sales restrictions apply on major Buddhist dry days, separately from regular operating-hour restrictions. Check the store’s notice for your travel date.
Do bars in Thailand stay open until 04:00?
Licensed venues in designated tourist areas and licensed venues in officially registered hotels may stay open until 04:00 under certain conditions, but this does not apply to every bar.
How old do you have to be to buy alcohol in Thailand?
The legal minimum age is 20. If your age is in question, the seller may ask to see government-issued identification.
Official sources & check dates
- Alcohol sales and consumption rules updated in Thailand — THAILAND.GO.TH · 2026-10-28
- Alcohol Control Act — Centre for Alcohol Studies · 2026-10-28
- Entertainment venues in Thai tourist destinations to open until 4 am — TAT Newsroom · 2026-10-28
- 2026년 태국 공휴일·행사·주류판매 금지일 — 태국관광청 · 2026-10-28
- Buddhist Holy Days in Thailand: Alcohol Bans and Temple Visits · 2026-10-28
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Site updated: 2026-10-28