Thailand May Lift Decades-Old Booze Ban to Boost Tourism

The Thai government is considering lifting a 52-year-old ban on afternoon alcohol sales to support struggling restaurant operators and the tourism industry amid economic challenges. Representatives from the Restaurant Business Club have appealed to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for the repeal of the regulation that restricts alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm. They also proposed measures such as reducing building and land tax rates and allowing tax deductions for restaurant invoices to aid small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The tourism industry, which is facing rising costs and weak consumer spending, has also made similar appeals for assistance. The Thai Hotels Association has requested tax deductions or subsidies for renovations. These proposals come as Thailand aims to attract 36.7 million travelers this year to boost gross domestic product growth to 3%. Concurrently, the country is preparing to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic and tighten regulations on its cultivation, sales, and imports and exports.