PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Alcohol Control Committee has approved in principle a proposal allowing 24-hour alcohol sales in designated areas within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), April 17, following a 90-day review period that found no increase in accidents after restrictions on afternoon alcohol sales were eased.
The meeting, chaired by Public Health Minister Pattana Prompat at the Ministry of Public Health, reviewed the first three months after the government allowed alcohol sales between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
According to Dr. Montien Kanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, accident figures between December 2025 and March 2026 did not increase compared with the same period a year earlier, even during the extended sales period between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The committee agreed in principle that EEC authorities could allow businesses in specific zones to sell alcohol around the clock. The proposal would apply to two types of venues: event and exhibition areas, and restaurants operating within the EEC.
Officials stressed that businesses would still have to comply with all other laws and regulations related to alcohol sales.
The plan is not yet in effect and must still go through several legal steps, including a public hearing process, formal announcements, and publication in the Royal Gazette before it can become law.
Authorities estimate the full process will take around 60 days and could be completed by the end of May.
Officials said the EEC will decide which areas should be included first, depending on their potential to attract investors and stimulate local economic activity.
The proposal could have major implications for tourism-driven areas in the EEC such as Pattaya, where business groups have long argued that extended alcohol sales would help support nightlife, restaurants, events, and international tourism.
