Restrictions on alcohol sales in Thailand affect UK exporters
Trade barrier summary
Thailand's alcohol regulations can be restrictive, often reflecting cultural and religious sensitivities. Restrictions include:
- alcohol can only be sold on certain days at certain times
- alcohol cannot be sold near temples, hospitals, government and state enterprise offices, pharmacies, educational institutions or public parks
- the sale of alcohol is only permitted in disco, nightclubs, lounges, bars, and massage parlours during specific times
- establishing new entertainment venues is banned in 22 provinces nationwide - 5 in the north, 8 in central, 3 in the north east, and 6 in the south
- alcohol cannot be sold via automatic vending machines, street selling or dispensing machines at convenience stores
- alcohol cannot be sold at a discounted rate, as a sales promotion, by any giving or offering privilege.
Sectors affected
- Food and drink
Resolved
No
Date reported
23 May 2019
Last updated
18 December 2020
Public ID
PID-GD6JY9
If a trade barrier is affecting your exports or investment from the UK, please let us know on report a trade barrier .
If you export goods you can check duties and customs procedures for your chosen market.