The department stressed that all shops are still prohibited from selling alcoholic drinks between 2pm and 5pm, except in designated venues such as international airports, hotels and licensed service establishments like bars, reports the Bangkok Post.
The clarification followed widespread social media claims ‒ celebrated by shop owners and drinkers alike ‒ that the sales ban had been lifted after the Revolutionary Council’s 1972 directive was scrapped on Wednesday. That directive, known as Order No.253, had prohibited sales during the same hours.
Department Director-General Suthas Chottanapan explained that the order’s abolishment was only a procedural step, as its provisions are already covered by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which still upholds the restriction.
The act was published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday (Sept 9) and will take effect in early November, according to state broadcaster NBT.
People’s Party MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a campaigner against the alcohol industry monopoly, cautioned on Facebook that he did not want vendors to face prosecution over the misunderstanding.
Violators face penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of B100,000, or both.