Alcohol

  • Phuket NewsVenues in Phuket selling alcohol must apply for new permit

    Venues in Phuket selling alcohol must apply for new permit

    First, they shut all the bars and entertainment venues selling alcohol in Thailand. Then they said those venues could reopen, but not as a boozy bar, rather as restaurants, who eventually were allowed to sell a bit of alcohol again, now until 11 pm. But now in Phuket, entertainment venues that were originally licenced to sell alcohol but then got…

  • Thailand NewsAlcohol until 11 pm at food venues in 8 Blue provinces from tomorrow

    Alcohol until 11 pm at food venues in 8 Blue provinces from tomorrow

    Put on your party boots; tomorrow it’s time to go out late for drinks on a Monday! The easing of the alcohol ban for 8 Blue Zone provinces goes into effect tomorrow with restaurants and similar venues allowed to sell drinks until 11 pm now. Bars, pubs, karaoke, nightclubs, and other nightlife and entertainment venues will not be legally allowed…

  • Thailand NewsAlcohol sales at restaurants in approved provinces will be allowed until 11pm

    Alcohol sales at restaurants in approved provinces will be allowed until 11pm

    Alcohol sales at restaurants in approved provinces will be allowed until 11pm, starting January 24. Under Thailand’s colour-coded zoning with corresponding disease control measures, alcohol sales at restaurants until 11pm will be allowed in “yellow” zones under high surveillance and “blue” zones which are approved for pilot tourism programmes. In 44 provinces, classified as “orange” zones, alcohol sales at restaurants…

  • Pattaya NewsPolice raid art gallery opened as nightclub, 100 partygoers reportedly fled from police

    Police raid art gallery opened as nightclub, 100 partygoers reportedly fled from police

    In another police raid in Pattaya, more than 100 people reportedly fled a party held at a local art gallery at 10:30pm last night, past the 9pm cutoff time for alcohol sales at restaurants. The Pattaya News says partygoers were jumping fences and climbing out windows to flee from police at the Ma Ha Na Cafe and Art Gallery in…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya police raid bars serving alcohol past 9pm, arrest two managers

    Pattaya police raid bars serving alcohol past 9pm, arrest two managers

    Two bar managers in Pattaya were arrested for violating the disease control measures last night. Bars across Thailand are ordered to remain closed, but some have opened up as restaurants. In “blue zones,” which includes Pattaya, alcohol sales and consumption at restaurants are allowed until 9pm. At around 9:30pm, Pattaya police officers went to Soi Bua Khao and Walking Street…

  • Central Thailand NewsMonks caught drinking alcohol on New Year’s Day say they were honouring ancestors

    Monks caught drinking alcohol on New Year’s Day say they were honouring ancestors

    Three Buddhist monks are facing expulsion from monkhood after they were caught drinking alcohol on New Year’s Day, which is a violation of their rules. Apparently, locals gave rice whiskey to the temple as an offering to their ancestors, but a monk says they drank the alcohol as a way to “deliver the alcohol to the dead people.” Residents called…

  • Covid-19 NewsUpdates for food and beverage venues in Pattaya

    Updates for food and beverage venues in Pattaya

    (“Food and beverage venues” is a euphemism for ‘bars-pretending-to-be-restaurants’) Pattaya businesses are being thrown another curved ball with the Chon Buri governor releasing new orders last night to clarify, and in some cases increase, restrictions and conditions for food and beverage venues. The updated guidelines relate specifically to bars that are trying to re-open under a loophole that lets them…

  • Bangkok News50 emergency operations centres in Bangkok being set up for New Year’s

    50 emergency operations centres in Bangkok being set up for New Year’s

    Emergency operations centres are being set up in 50 districts of Bangkok to prevent Covid-19 from spreading during countdown events and celebrations. The centres will screen people for Covid-19 and immediately isolate those who are infected, Permanent Secretary Kajit Chatchavanich told the media yesterday. District offices will keep a tight eye on New Year’s celebrations and events. Restaurants and other approved…

  • Tourism NewsTourism cities welcome easing of Covid measures ahead of New Year celebrations

    Tourism cities welcome easing of Covid measures ahead of New Year celebrations

    Officials in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya have all welcomed the CCSA’s decision to ease some Covid-19 restrictions to allow for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Alcohol can now be sold until 1am on New Year’s Eve, with the exception of Phuket, where alcohol sales can continue from 11pm to 6am on December 31. According to a Bangkok Post report,…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok restaurant raided, several foreigners caught without entry stamps

    Bangkok restaurant raided, several foreigners caught without entry stamps

    In yet another party bust, police raided a restaurant in Bangkok at around 1:45am yesterday, past the 11pm cutoff set by the government, and arrested more than 45 people for violating disease control measures. Several foreigners were also charged for not having entry stamps in their passports. Immigration police officers say 30 people at the Nakhon Bar Bangkok were foreigners…

  • Bangkok NewsPM Prayut Chan-o-cha pressures the public to get vaccinated before the New Year

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha pressures the public to get vaccinated before the New Year

    “Everyone should get the vaccine as soon as possible.” PM Prayut Chan-o-cha is calling on the public to get vaccinated as soon as they can to participate in New Year’s countdown events. New Year’s events were given the “okay” by the CCSA yesterday with alcohol consumption allowed until 1am on January 1, but festival organisers need to abide by “Covid…

  • Thailand NewsCheers! Alcohol sales at approved venues allowed until 1am during New Year holiday

    Cheers! Alcohol sales at approved venues allowed until 1am during New Year holiday

    Those in Thailand will be able to ring in 2022 with a drink in hand. Alcohol sales at restaurants and venues certified as “Covid Free Settings” will be allowed to serve alcoholic drinks until 1am on New Year’s. During its general meeting today, the CCSA decided to allow alcohol consumption during the holiday, but only at open air venues under…

  • Thailand video newsGrammar mistakes, Homemade coffee, Bhutan | Thaiger Bites | Ep.76

    Grammar mistakes, Homemade coffee, Bhutan | Thaiger Bites | Ep.76

    Jay and Tim go through your video messages, comments and feedback from Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and Thaiger Talk forum on the website.

  • Pattaya NewsChon Buri and Pattaya bar scene get good news, but at what cost?

    Chon Buri and Pattaya bar scene get good news, but at what cost?

    The reality is that many ‘bars’ will rush to achieve certification as an SHA+ approved ‘restaurant’. The signwriters in Pattaya will be busy making new ‘restaurant’ signs as hundreds of bars vie to open up, serving food, so they can serve alcohol and get their businesses going again. It’s all smoke and mirrors but an advancement for the seaside party…

  • Northern Thailand NewsAlcohol restrictions ease in some Nakhon Ratchasima districts, tourism scheme launches

    Alcohol restrictions ease in some Nakhon Ratchasima districts, tourism scheme launches

    Seven districts in the Isaan province Nakhon Ratchasima will be easing alcohol restrictions as a pilot tourism scheme launches. Restaurants that pass SHA stands will be allowed to serve alcoholic drinks until 10pm. Pubs, clubs, karaoke, entertainment venues, and massage parlors remain closed. According to the deputy governor Chusak Chunkoh, seven districts in Nakhon Ratchasima province, formerly knowns as Korat,…

  • Bangkok NewsAlcohol sales at Bangkok restaurants allowed until 11pm starting Wednesday

    Alcohol sales at Bangkok restaurants allowed until 11pm starting Wednesday

    The cutoff time for alcohol sales at restaurants in Bangkok will be pushed from 9pm to 11pm. Governor Aswin Kwanmuang reportedly signed a provincial order allowing restaurants to serve booze until 11pm starting Wednesday, according to Thai media. Under the order, entertainment venues, such as bars and nightclubs, must remain closed until the end of the year. The order still…

  • Bangkok NewsBooze sales are likely to be extended until midnight during Christmas and New Year’s

    Booze sales are likely to be extended until midnight during Christmas and New Year’s

    The hours on alcohol sales at restaurants might be extended on Christmas and New Year’s. Thai authorities are now considering pushing the hours for sales of beer and liquor from 9pm to 11pm or midnight. The proposal will be reviewed today during a meeting with government agencies and tourism associations, according to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Phiphat Rachakitprakarn,…

  • Thailand NewsHealth Minister concerned that once bars reopen, they could be Covid “hotspots”

    Health Minister concerned that once bars reopen, they could be Covid “hotspots”

    Thailand’s Public Health Minister says he’s concerned that places that serve alcohol could become Covid-19 “hotspots” as people who are intoxicated are less likely to follow disease control measures. Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says bars and restaurants serving beer and cocktails should strictly follow Covid Free Setting guidelines, which includes vaccinating staff and requiring customers show either proof of vaccination or…

  • Bangkok NewsBars are closed in Bangkok… but not on Khao San Road

    Bars are closed in Bangkok… but not on Khao San Road

    The Thai government says bars are closed, and will be until mid-January, but if you look hard enough you’ll find many are open… and packed. Over the weekend, the entrance to Bangkok’s notorious Khao San Road was blocked with a Covid-19 checkpoint. To get on the street to party, people needed to show proof of vaccination or test negative for…

  • Covid-19 NewsAlcohol restrictions to be eased further in Bangkok from tomorrow

    Alcohol restrictions to be eased further in Bangkok from tomorrow

    From tomorrow, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will further ease restrictions on the sale of alcohol, with more restaurants allowed to sell booze. Venues with the “Thai Stop Covid Plus” certification can join businesses with SHA certification in providing diners with alcoholic drinks until 9pm. According to a Bangkok Post report, the relaxed measures will be in place until November 30,…

  • Thailand NewsReopening of bars and nightclubs pushed to mid-January 2022

    Reopening of bars and nightclubs pushed to mid-January 2022

    It’s going to be at least two months until you’ll be able to legally drink a beer at a bar in Thailand… The long-awaited reopening of bars and nightlife venues has been pushed to January 15, 2022. The CCSA held a general meeting chaired by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha today and decided to push back the reopening date for entertainment venues.…

  • Thailand NewsDepartment of Health begs for responsible drinking in restaurants

    Department of Health begs for responsible drinking in restaurants

    The Department of Health is warning people that the permission granted to serve alcohol in restaurants in key tourist destinations must be used responsibly without people overdoing the boozing. They are asking restaurants not to serve drinks after the allowed hours and asking patrons to not overdo their drinking. Now that the government has dedicated Blue Zones for the primary…

  • Thailand video newsDrunk Tourists, Thai protests, Schrodinger’s cat, Whinging | Thaiger Bites | Ep. 52

    Drunk Tourists, Thai protests, Schrodinger’s cat, Whinging | Thaiger Bites | Ep. 52

    Jay and Tim go through viewer comments and feedback from our shows on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Thaiger Talk forum on our website and have a little whinge.

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok governor says no to extending alcohol sales to 11pm

    Bangkok governor says no to extending alcohol sales to 11pm

    Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang is refusing to budge on the law that bans restaurant alcohol sales after 9pm, at least for now. He was responding to a call from Thanakorn Kuptajit of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association, who has called for sales to be extended to 11pm. According to a Bangkok Post report, Thanakorn believes allowing eateries to sell…

  • Bangkok NewsPrivate sector expresses fear over Covid surge if alcohol ban lifted in Bangkok

    Private sector expresses fear over Covid surge if alcohol ban lifted in Bangkok

    Some members of the private sector have expressed concern about a spike in Bangkok’s infections if the alcohol ban is lifted from December, as planned. According to a Bangkok Post report, the TAT is expecting 300,000 visitors to Bangkok during the last 2 months of the year. This has prompted some to voice concern about the Covid-19 risks, particularly if…

  • Bangkok NewsPolice bust Bangkok pub serving alcohol, 61 arrested

    Police bust Bangkok pub serving alcohol, 61 arrested

    After receiving complaints that alcohol was being illegally served in violation of Covid-19 restrictions, Thong Lo Police raided a pub serving alcohol illegally on Soi Sukhumvit 23 in the Wattana district of Bangkok. The raid that took place last night led to the arrest of 61 guests found drinking alcohol without social distancing. 35 women and 26 males were taken…

  • Phuket NewsThailand’s bars and beach parties remain strictly closed (cough)

    Thailand’s bars and beach parties remain strictly closed (cough)

    Will some of Thailand’s most popular hotspots ever come back to life? It appears that the bars and beach parties will never restart as these photos reveal darkened streets and deserted beaches. Last week’s Full Moon Party was curtailed after initially getting the go-ahead from Koh Pha Ngan police. It eventually went ahead but in a vastly reduced ‘covid-era’ form…

  • Tourism NewsTourism Minister proposes reopening entertainment venues November 1

    Tourism Minister proposes reopening entertainment venues November 1

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha may be opening up Thailand to international travellers, but Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakan is aiming to open up entertainment venues to those international travellers. The Tourism Minister plans on officially proposing that entertainment venues, bars, nightclubs, karaoke lounges, pubs and other nightlife venues be reopening in the Blue Zones, the new term for the…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket bar owner arrested for allegedly serving booze after 10pm

    Phuket bar owner arrested for allegedly serving booze after 10pm

    The owner of a bar in Phuket was arrested for allegedly selling alcohol after 10pm, a violation of the provincial order limiting alcohol sales in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19 through socialising. Phuket News reports that the 29 year old who ran the bar was arrested after midnight yesterday at the City Bar on the outskirts of…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket restaurants can serve alcohol starting October 1

    Phuket restaurants can serve alcohol starting October 1

    In a decision that should drastically help the Phuket Sandbox and stimulate the economy, the CCSA gave initial approval to an order to allow selling and consuming alcohol in restaurants starting October 1. Thailand has had a national ban on alcohol consumption in groups and in businesses for months, with a recent crackdown on violators, but the rule would only…