Thailand has changed its alcohol sales regulations, tightening controls on customer intoxication. Since the end of March 2026, vendors have been authorized to check customers' intoxication levels before selling them alcoholic beverages.
If a person already shows signs of severe intoxication, they may be denied service. Specific signs are outlined in the regulations: impaired coordination, unsteady gait, slurred speech, sudden mood swings, or aggressive behavior. The smell of alcohol and signs of disorientation are also taken into account.
In addition to external assessment, simple practical tests are also included. One involves attempting to touch the tip of your nose with your eyes closed: a noticeable error or trembling of the hand indicates intoxication. The second involves walking in a straight line and then turning: deviations from the line or loss of balance are interpreted as a warning sign. The third test involves maintaining balance on one leg for 30 seconds.
The new measures are aimed at reducing cases of excessive alcohol consumption and related incidents. Authorities hope these checks will improve safety, especially in tourist areas where visitor numbers are traditionally high.
