The new regulation is expected to take effect 15 days after public consultation, without requiring Cabinet approval, reports the Bangkok Post.
However, the panel has yet to decide whether to extend drinking hours at entertainment venues.
Speaking after chairing the committee’s second meeting at Government House on Thursday (Nov 13), Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum said the move aimed to stimulate tourism and economic activity during peak tourism periods such as New Year and Songkran.
“The afternoon sales ban was introduced long ago to prevent civil servants from drinking during office hours. But that era is over ‒ government officials no longer drink in the afternoon. Today, officials do not go out drinking during working hours, so the ban should be lifted,” said Mr Sophon.
He earlier said Thai authorities would discuss lifting the ban on afternoon alcohol sales after facing heavy criticism from businesses and the public.
Tourism operators had proposed extending closing hours to 4am, but the Ministry of Public Health and medical experts have opposed the idea, citing accident statistics showing a spike in fatalities from 2am to 3am, Mr Sophon said.
The deputy prime minister assigned the panel to continue discussions to reach a compromise.
The Ministry of Interior has already regulated operating hours for entertainment venues, so any extension must align with existing laws, he said.
He noted that while the Public Health Ministry promotes alcohol-free campaigns during New Year, such measures must be realistic.
“People celebrate during festivals. If the state wants to encourage abstinence, it must offer incentives, not just impose bans,” Mr Sophon said.
The deputy prime minister confirmed that the ban between 2pm and 5pm would be revoked, while the final decision on whether drinking hours would be extended to 2am or 4am depends on further talks.
If the committee reaches a final resolution, it can be issued directly by the Prime Minister’s Office without cabinet endorsement. The announcement will be open for public comment for 15 days before taking effect.
The committee will also review zoning rules for alcohol sales near educational institutions, clarifying whether the distance should be measured from the school fence or the building itself.
In Thailand, where Buddhism is the main religion, practitioners and monks follow the Five Precepts, which include abstaining from alcohol and intoxicants to promote mindfulness and avoid heedlessness.