Aussies holidaymakers heading to Thailand will now face hefty fines if they’re caught buying or consuming alcohol outside permitted hours.
From Saturday, bans on alcohol on the popular party island between 2pm and 5pm and from midnight to 11am will be tightened under strict new laws.
Buying or being served an alcoholic drink during these hours, even at convenience stores – could result in fines.
Individuals and sellers caught buying or drinking alcohol outside of permitted hours face fines of up to 10,000 Thai Baht or $470.
Until now, it was only vendors who were fined.
‘Violations may lead to fines or other legal consequences under transport and alcohol control laws,’ Tourism Authority of Thailand warned.
‘Tourists are reminded that outside of the listed exceptions, drinking or purchasing alcohol during restricted hours or in prohibited areas remains illegal.
‘Businesses in violation may be fined or shut down, and individuals could face legal consequences.’
Individuals and sellers caught buying or drinking alcohol outside of the permitted hours face fines of up to 10,000 Thai Baht (pictured is a poolside bar in Krabi, Thailand)
From Saturday, bans on alcohol on the popular party island between 2pm and 5pm and from midnight to 11am will be tightened under strict new laws (pictured, Ao Nang Krabi in Thailand)
Experts have assured the new regulations will not stop tourists from having a good time or enjoying a drink.
‘Holidaymakers will be able to enjoy afternoon poolside cocktails or a glass of wine over lunch, as hotels, resorts and licensed restaurants are exempt,’ Luxury Escapes chief executive Adam Schwab told news.com.au.
‘What they won’t be able to do is walk into a 7-11 or unlicensed venues and buy alcohol during the prohibited hours.’
But Aussies have been urged to think more carefully about when and where they drink to ensure they don’t break the law.
The legal age for buying and drinking alcohol in Thailand is 20.
‘You can get fined for simply having a drink in your hand outside service hours, even if you ordered it within the legal time period,’ warned James Kavanagh, global leisure CEO at Flight Centre Travel Group.
Other travel experts have urged visitors to take up other popular activities outside of the restricted drinking hours.
‘In Bangkok, the Asiatique Riverfront is perfect for picking up souvenirs and enjoying open-air dining along the water,’ Travelbag destination specialist Helen Wheat said.
Many hotels, resorts and licensed restaurants are exempt from the ban (pictured, Bangkok’s bustling party precinct)
‘If food is your passion, don’t miss a guided evening tour of Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat Road). From satay skewers to mango sticky rice, it’s one of the best ways to experience Thailand’s legendary street food culture.
‘For a dose of culture, shows such as Siam Niramit bring Thai history and traditions to life through music, dance, and costume.’
More than 775,000 Australians travelled to Thailand last year.
Warnings about drink-spiking in Thailand remain in place, a year after Melbourne teens Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died from methanol poisoning in Laos.
‘Don’t drink home-made or local cocktails. Methanol is highly toxic,’ Australia’s Smartraveller website warned.
‘As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor-quality alcohol distillation and production.’