The amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, effective November 8, allows authorities to fine individuals at least 10,000 baht (about US$300) for drinking during prohibited hours or in restricted areas. Violators may also face up to six months in jail. Bars and restaurants serving alcohol during the banned periods can be penalized as well.

Thailand’s long-standing sales restrictions remain in place. Alcohol cannot be sold from midnight to 11 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The law introduces exemptions for certain venues, including licensed entertainment establishments, hotel room service, and international airport terminals.

Apart from consumer penalties, the legislation tightens rules on advertising. Commercial promotions must stick to factual information, and endorsements by celebrities or influencers are not allowed. Lawmakers say the changes form part of a wider public health effort aimed at reducing alcohol-related accidents and social problems.

Business groups warn the new measures could dent revenues, particularly in areas that rely on tourists who often drink during daytime activities. As well, it is putting some tourism operators on edge as the restriction could jeopardize Thailand’s reputation as a travel destination. Amid this shakeup , restaurant owners and nightlife operators are watching the rollout closely, wary of inconsistent enforcement and its possible impact during the peak travel season.

The new regulation, accessible on the State Secretariat Ministry’s Legal Information and Documentation Network (JDIH) website, permits doctors to perform abortions in cases of medical emergencies or pregnancies resulting from rape or sexual violence. Article 122 paragraph 1 of the law states, “Abortion services can only be carried out with the consent of the pregnant woman concerned and with the consent of the husband, except for victims of rape.”

The new rule, signed by President Joko Widodo this week, responds to demands from women’s rights activists and healthcare practitioners who argued that the previous six-week limit for abortions in rape cases was too restrictive, leading to some females being jailed. The new law aims to address Indonesia’s high maternal mortality rate, one of the highest in Southeast Asia.