Vietnamese tourists should pay attention to new regulations in Thailand if they do not want to be heavily fined.

Thailand imposes a fine of US$300 (about VND7.5 million) on people drinking alcohol during the day after changing alcohol laws.

Changes to Thailand's Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, which take effect from Saturday, November 8, will shift the risk to consumers who drink alcohol between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Thais looking to quench their thirst with an afternoon glass of beer risk heavy fines from Saturday under a revised liquor control law that strengthens enforcement and significantly tightens restrictions on marketing and advertising.

The sale of alcohol in Thailand has been banned between 2pm and 5pm in most retail outlets and supermarkets since 1972, but changes to the Alcohol Control Law that came into effect on Saturday now mean individuals can be fined 10,000 baht (US$300) or more for drinking or being served alcohol during banned times or locations.

Tourists gather at Khao San, Bangkok's Western district

PHOTO: GETTY

Although there are exceptions for licensed entertainment venues, hotels, certified establishments in tourist areas and airports with international flights, the onus has been shifted to the consumer, and stricter laws also prohibit advertising of alcoholic beverages unless the content is completely truthful.

The use of celebrities, influencers or public figures to promote alcoholic beverages for commercial purposes is also prohibited.

However, there are also concerns that stricter rules create opportunities for officials to impose fines on customers, restaurants or both for personal gain.

Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a member of parliament from the opposition People’s Party who has pushed for alcohol liberalization, said alcohol sales should be allowed 24/7. “The amendments are for the benefit of those who oppose alcohol,” Taopiphop said. He also said it risked confusing foreign tourists, who might order drinks before the cut-off time but end up drinking later, according to SCMP.

Mr. Truong Duc Hai, director of a travel agency in Ho Chi Minh City, said that Vietnamese tourists have the habit of drinking alcohol while traveling, both domestically and internationally, so they need to pay attention to Thailand's new regulations. Of course, tour guides will clearly explain the regulations to help tourists avoid trouble when traveling in Thailand, a purely entertainment destination and tourists can easily fall into situations of violating the new alcohol regulations.

In the first eight months of the year, Vietnamese visitors to Thailand reached 482,000, down nearly half compared to the same period last year. In 2024, there will be more than 1 million Vietnamese tourists traveling to Thailand, a three-fold increase compared to the previous year. Thailand aims to welcome 900,000 Vietnamese visitors by 2026.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khach-viet-luu-y-quy-dinh-moi-o-thai-lan-neu-khong-muon-bi-phat-nang-18525110907541213.htm