Thailand tourism leaders are calling out the country’s new Alcohol Control Act as currently unworkable and welcome a new government review of the rules.
The current law can potentially penalise tourists individually as well as businesses if patrons are found to be drinking outside of the allotted times for restaurant alcohol consumption.
This is not tourist-friendly they say.
Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, chairman of the Thai Restaurant Business Association said: “It’s unclear what purpose this law serves. Those who signed it may not realise how much damage it will cause to the tourism and service economy.”
They say the law is confusing and will deter tourists from visiting restaurants and cafes at certain times.
Other venues such as licensed bars and hotels are exempt.
Restaurant guests could face fines if found to be consuming alcohol outside the allotted times of 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 12am, even if they ordered drinks within the allowed window.
The backlash has led to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to order a further review of the rules to make it more tourism friendly.
This includes potentially removing the afternoon ban on alcohol between 2-5pm.
Hospitality leaders also want to see a broadening of later night alcohol licenses for establishments nationwide.
Currently, alcohol can be served until 4am at clubs and other venues in certain tourist areas such as Bangkok and Phuket.
Countries including Australia issued a travel advisory about the risk of tourists being fined for drinking outside the allotted times at restaurants and cafes.