Alcohol
Alcohol news in Thailand, covering regulations, consumption trends, and related policies.
- Phuket News
Phuket’s alcohol-free Songkran festival returns
Phuket is gearing up for Songkran with a booze-free twist! The Songkran No Alcohol Festival is back for its 11th year, promising cultural charm, live music, and family-friendly fun—without the chaos of drunken revelry. Phuket officials are preparing for another safe and tradition-focused songkran as the island hosts the Songkran No Alcohol Festival Phuket 2025, organised for the 11th consecutive year,…
- Thailand News
Park life: Thailand eases alcohol rules for officials, not tourists
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand has revised regulations to permit alcohol consumption in designated areas within national parks. However, this relaxation applies only to officials and organised groups who obtain permission, while tourists remain prohibited from consuming alcohol. The department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), has been gathering public…
- Thailand News
Alcohol act revamp: Thailand raises the bar on booze ads
The Thai Cabinet agreed to revise the Alcohol Beverage Control Act, allowing businesses to advertise their alcohol products and enabling the public to share pictures and videos of alcoholic beverages without legal punishment. The draft of the revised Alcohol Beverage Control Act was discussed during the Cabinet meeting yesterday, March 19. At the end of the meeting, 365 Parliament members…
- Pattaya News
Holy spirits: Pattaya toasts to temple tipple alcohol tweak
Pattaya officials and business moguls are toasting the National Alcohol Policy Committee’s bold decision to uncork alcohol sales at select venues on major religious holidays, a move set to pour life into the city’s tourism juggernaut. The clinking of glasses will be heard in hotels, entertainment hotspots, and international airports, while other public areas remain dry. Optimists predict the change…
- Thailand News
Chon Buri man found dead in rental room after herbal booze binge
A rental room owner found a tenant dead in his room, suspected to have died from excessive alcohol consumption. Police investigation revealed that the 40 year old man had been consuming herbal alcoholic drinks with friends in the days leading up to his death. Police officer Boonchuen Sarasook from Phan Thong Police Station in Chon Buri received a report of…
- Thailand News
Thai influencer dies after alcohol stunt for 30,000 baht
Bank Leicester, a well-known Thai influencer, has tragically died after being hired to consume an excessive amount of alcohol in exchange for 30,000 baht (US$880). Known for his unique approach of rapping while selling garlands to support his grandmother, Bank had gained significant popularity online. His untimely death occurred at approximately 3.40am, reportedly due to the drinking challenge. Bank, whose…
- Bangkok News
Alcohol sale breaks record on Air India Express’s inaugural flight to Bangkok
Air India Express marked the launch of its new direct route from Surat in India to Bangkok with an unforgettable incident as passengers reportedly consumed the entire alcohol supply, valued at around 70,000 baht, before landing. The Indian low-cost airline announced in November that it would begin direct flights in December from Surat and Pune to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport,…
- Thailand News
Knife-wielding intoxicated man wreaks havoc in Uthai Thani
A man in a state of distress wielded a knife and threw objects at passing vehicles, causing alarm among locals. This incident unfolded yesterday, November 21 in Uthai Thani province, as police were alerted to a chaotic scene involving a 40 year old Thai man. Upon receiving reports from concerned villagers about a man throwing knives and objects at vehicles…
- Thailand News
Cheers to safety: Thailand’s plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled crashes
Thailand is ringing in the new year with a determined focus on safety, as Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin reveals a no-nonsense plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled road accidents during the festive celebrations. With the Christmas and new year season notorious for its spike in drink-related mishaps, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee has rolled out four game-changing measures to keep partygoers…
- Thailand News
Cheers: Thai hotels to offer 24-hour alcohol service over new year
Hotel guests will soon enjoy the convenience of ordering alcoholic beverages to their rooms at any time over the new year period. This change, sanctioned by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, was announced following their recent meeting. Somsak Thepsutin, the Public Health Minister, led the approval for this adjustment, which allows hotel patrons unrestricted access to alcohol from in-house bars…
- Thailand News
Foul play dismissed as Thai drink driving suspect dies in custody
A Thai man died under mysterious circumstances yesterday while in detention at Chaiyaphruek Police Station in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok after being arrested for drink driving. The deceased’s wife, Tippawan, visited the police station yesterday, November 11, to demand a further investigation into the death of her husband, 57 year old Thongsai. Tippawan said she lost contact with her husband…
- Thailand News
Drunken man attacks friend’s dead body in Chanthaburi province
A heated altercation unfolded yesterday when a middle-aged Thai man, under the influence of alcohol, aggressively slapped a dead friend’s body in the eastern province of Chanthaburi, causing chaos and prompting police intervention. The incident occurred at 1pm, yesterday, November 6, when the police were alerted to a suicide in a local forest. Police Lieutenant Panida Julphak, along with forensic…
- Travel Guides
Tipsy Tubing in Pai, Thailand
Welcome to tipsy tubing in Pai, Thailand—a unique adventure that promises both relaxation and exhilaration. This popular activity combines the thrill of tubing with the social atmosphere of stopping at lively riverside bars, making it a must-try for any traveller seeking a memorable experience. Tipsy tubing isn’t just about the ride. It is an opportunity to relax on the river…
- Thailand News
Spirit of resistance: Thailand’s lawmakers toast booze bill rejection
The House of Representatives decisively rejected a bill aiming to liberalise Thailand’s alcohol industry, proposed by the opposition People’s Party. The bill, introduced by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, was voted down with 237 votes against and 137 in favour. The proposed legislation sought to permit individuals to own alcohol distillation equipment and produce booze for personal use without needing government approval. Government…
- Thai Law News
New law mandates urine, blood tests for driver alcohol checks
The Thai Government Gazette published a new ministerial regulation to include urine and blood tests for measuring alcohol levels in drivers when breathalyser tests are not possible. This regulation aims to enhance road safety and ensure accurate alcohol detection in drivers. The regulation, dated today, September 23, was issued under the authority of the Road Traffic Act of 1979, which…
- Bangkok News
Methanol poisoning from homemade hooch causes 6 deaths in Bangkok
Police are investigating an alarming rise in methanol poisoning cases linked to homemade alcohol in Bangkok’s Khlong Sam Wa district. Six people have died, and several others are critically ill after consuming the contaminated liquor. Yesterday, August 28, at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, Pairoj Suratnawanich, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, confirmed that 22 patients are currently receiving…
- Thailand News
Whisky business: Methanol madness in khlong sam wa, Bangkok
A rise in methanol poisoning cases linked to illegal herbal whisky in Khlong Sam Wa has led to increased concern. Four deaths have been reported, with two more individuals falling seriously ill, bringing the total number of affected patients to 35. The Department of Disease Control and the Department of Medical Services, under the Ministry of Public Health, reported today…
- Thailand News
Thai man hospitalised after eating ‘crazy eggplant’ to quit drinking
A Thai man in the Isaan province of Mahasarakham lost consciousness after his wife forced him to consume poisonous jimsonweed believing it would help him quit drinking. Mahasarakham Hospital issued a warning to the public after the 61 year old Thai man, Thongdaeng, was admitted to the hospital after consuming the poisonous fruit. It is known among Thais as Makhuea…
- Thailand News
Bangkok moonshine death toll rises to 4, 28 in critical condition
The death toll from moonshine consumption in Bangkok has risen to four as of today, with 28 other victims remaining in serious condition. A further investigation into the sources of the moonshine led to the arrest of two Thai men yesterday, August 26. The issue came to light after multiple residents in the Khlong Sam Wa, Min Buri, and Nong…
- Thailand News
Brothers arrested for illegal alcohol linked to fatal incident
Two brothers have been arrested for their involvement in producing illegal alcohol in Bang Chan and selling it to local shops. Investigations are underway to determine if their products are linked to a fatal herbal alcohol incident that resulted in 19 illnesses and one death. Orasa Thongboonrod of the Bangkok Area 5 Excise Department received a tip-off about illegal alcohol…
- Thailand News
Alcohol spray machine explodes in Thai home (video)
A TikTok user issued a warning after an alcohol spray machine unexpectedly exploded in their home, leading to a fire. The incident occurred when the device was left plugged in for charging without any alcohol inside. TikTok user @nppts.n yesterday, August 5, shared a clip showing the aftermath of the explosion. The video showed the device, after being plugged in…
- Thailand News
Drunk motorcyclist dies in tragic crash in Chon Buri
A tragic motorcycle accident occurred earlier today resulting in the immediate death of a drunk motorcyclist. The incident took place today, July 19, along a curvy section on the Nong Kho-Nern Tong road in Nong Kham, Si Racha district, Chon Buri province. At around 12.20am, Deputy Inspector Somwang Potiphan from Nong Kham Police Station received a report of a motorcycle…
- Pattaya News
Rail ale rally: Bangkok victims group derails alcohol repeal bid
Over 50 members of the Bangkok Drunk Driving Victims Network, led by President Jessada Yamsabai, submitted a petition opposing the repeal of the ban on alcohol sales and consumption on trains and at train stations to the acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, Jarae Rungthanee. This petition, submitted yesterday, July 11, follows a tragic 2014 incident where a…
- Health
Is it time for airlines to restrict alcohol during long haul flights?
Flying can be stressful, and many people enjoy a drink to relax. However, a new study reveals that combining alcohol with the cabin pressure experienced at cruising altitude can significantly impact heart health, even if you’re young and healthy. This discovery raises a critical question: should airlines restrict alcohol on long-haul flights? The study’s purpose Researchers from the Institute of…
- Thailand News
Thai girl in critical condition after 1,000 baht drinking challenge
A 13 year old Thai girl remains in critical condition in an intensive care unit after being challenged to drink alcohol to win 1,000 baht at an ordination ceremony at a temple in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima. The girl’s grandmother, 72 year old Aui, filed a complaint against a Thai man who tricked her granddaughter, A, into drinking…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya bars raided for operating beyond legal hours, illegal alcohol
Police in Pattaya raided four bars across the city yesterday after receiving complaints about these venues operating beyond legal hours, with some establishments selling alcohol without licences. The raid targeted establishments on Soi Kho Phai, South Pattaya Road, and Pattaya Third Road. Authorities discovered that these venues, one of which was a host bar, continued operations well past the permitted…
- Thailand News
Durian: Can The King of Fruits kill you when you drink alcohol?
Durian, the notorious “king of fruits,” is a culinary adventure synonymous with Thailand. Its spiky exterior hides a creamy, custard-like flesh with a flavor that’s been described as anything from sweet caramel to pungent onion. Durian has a devoted following throughout Thailand, where it’s enjoyed in everything from ice cream to savory curries. But what happens when this tropical king…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya security guard loses control in alcohol-induced frenzy
A middle-aged security guard caused a ruckus in the serene neighbourhood of Eakmongkol 4 Village in Soi Khao Talo, Pattaya when he lost control of his senses due to suspected heavy alcohol consumption. The incident occurring yesterday, May 7 shortly after 9pm, was swiftly reported to Pattaya police and officers were promptly dispatched to the scene. Upon their arrival, it…
- Thailand News
Cabinet green lights bills to modify alcohol control law
The Cabinet has given initial approval to five proposed bills aiming to modify the current alcohol control law, a move that could potentially lead to extended selling hours and more relaxed advertising rules. This decision has, however, sparked controversy among anti-alcohol advocates. The legislation was introduced for its first reading in the House on Wednesday, March 27, and received a…
- Thailand News
Brew-haha: Thai man fined for boozing outside convenience store
A Thai man found himself in a legal quandary after consuming alcohol in front of a convenience store, which resulted in a fine of 1,000 baht by the police. The incident sparked a public inquiry into the legality of drinking in public spaces that are not government premises. The man in question took to social media to query the public…
