Paetongtarn stressed that her administration seeks to balance tourism growth with social responsibility.
“Though lifting restrictions can boost business revenue and tourism, we must ensure young people do not have easy access to alcohol, this is something we will not overlook,” she said, as quoted by Khaosod.
Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin on Thursday said that he has instructed officials to study the pros and cons of lifting the afternoon alcohol sale ban.
The Bangkok Post reported the minister as saying that the alcohol control committee under his ministry’s purview would discuss the proposal in due time, and would consider opinions across the board.
He noted that a recent proposal to allow the sale of alcohol on trains at certain times was rejected after a study found it could do more harm than good.
“Even if the economic benefits seem appealing, we might not proceed with such a proposed change (on the afternoon alcohol sale) should the majority of people not agree,” Somsak reportedly said.
Under the 2008 Alcohol Control Act, penalties for violating alcohol sales regulations include imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of 10,000 baht or both.
In addition to the holiday and timing restrictions, one must be at least 20 years old to purchase alcohol. Sales are also prohibited in certain areas under local administrative organisation supervision such as riverbanks, canal sides and beaches.
Those found violating these laws could face up to one year jail term, a 500,000 baht fine or both.
Paetongtarn is not the first Thai leader to consider easing the afternoon alcohol sales ban.
Her predecessor – Srettha Thavisin – had reportedly “considered proposals” to tweak the regulation, according to a statement on the Royal Thai Government website in July last year.
