Legal Drinking Age in Bangkok: What You Need to Know Before You Order a Beer
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The rooftop pubs in Bangkok deliver stunning views, the street markets are often busy, and the nightlife is legendary. If you're someone looking to settle into Thai society or a visitor touring the city, knowing the drinking regulations is as critical as knowing the finest pad thai. However, there is stuff you must have before you go out and have a frosty beer or drink at a chic sky bar.
The rules about drinking in Bangkok are more complicated than they seem. Tourism often comes to the city with the wrong idea that alcohol is always easy to find because it is known as a party city. The City of Smiles has rules, though, and if you don't follow them, things could go wrong.
Clubs, bars, and even grocery stores have strict rules that have surprised tourists more often than you might think. For example, some places may not let you buy alcohol because of strict ID checks. If you don't follow the rules, you could face big fines or even legal trouble.
So, how old must one be to legally drink in Bangkok? Is it similar to where you're from or is it totally different? Much more crucially, what are the consequences of rule breaking? You may be shocked, so read on to find out.
The Magic Number – What’s the Legal Drinking Age in Bangkok?
One thing you should know before hitting the clubs in Bangkok: although 18 is the legal drinking age in Thailand, only people over the age of 20 may buy alcohol. This implies that while those who are 18 or 19 years old may legally drink alcohol, they cannot legally buy it.
Thailand has stricter rules than other Southeast Asian nations. As an example, whereas Singapore puts the legal limit at 18, Cambodia and Vietnam do not have an officially enforced drinking age. Thailand's government has implemented a higher purchase age in an attempt to discourage underage drinking and encourage responsible usage of alcohol.
Thailand has a uniform minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages, spanning spirits, beer from a 7-Eleven, wine from a cellar, and cocktails from a fancy bar. This is in contrast to other nations where the minimum drinking age is lower for beer and wine than for spirits. Businesses are expected by law to check IDs and not sell to people under the age of 20, and punishment can be strict.
If you're under 20 and want to buy a drink in Bangkok, you should know that shops and bars are expected to follow the law, even if you are only 18 years old and officially able to drink.
The Rulebook – What the Law Actually Says
Let's get technical for a bit.
Strict regulations on the sale and use of alcohol are laid forth in Thailand's Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (2008). People who are 18 and older may lawfully drink alcohol, but it is illegal to sell it to anybody under the age of 20. There are also some hours when you can't buy alcohol: between 11 am and 2 pm and 5 pm and midnight. Additionally, alcohol purchases cannot be made on certain national and religious holidays.
Authorities often audit businesses, nightclubs, and pubs to ensure compliance with these regulations. Heavy penalties, temporary shutdowns, or license revocation may be in store for establishments found selling alcohol to minors or outside of authorized hours.
Curiously, there are a few outliers and gaps. Airport duty-free stores do not limit the sale of alcoholic beverages by the hour, and private parties seldom face such stringent regulations. However, penalties or police involvement might still result from public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.
How Strict Is It? The Reality of Drinking Laws in Bangkok
Thailand's alcohol regulations are rather strict in principle, but the police in Bangkok are not always consistent in practice. Areas like Sukhumvit and Silom, which are popular with tourists, tend to have more stringent ID requirements at upscale nightclubs, restaurants, and stores. On the other hand, local businesses and mom-and-pop stores could be more accommodating, especially if they presumptively believe a consumer is of legal age.
Authorities often carry out raids and random inspections, especially in areas known for their nightlife. Nightclubs and bars found selling alcohol to minors might face fines, closures, or even the revocation of a liquor license. The police have cracked down on some crimes in a public light. An example of this would be the 2019 raid and subsequent arrests and legal action against a Bangkok bar that served alcohol to patrons as young as sixteen years old.
Some teenage drinkers still manage to get past these prohibitions by securing alcohol through older peers, going to spots that flout regulations, or using fake IDs. However, there are major legal ramifications for both the business and its customers if they are caught.
Tourists & Expats – Do the Same Rules Apply to You?
Many foreigners believe that Thailand's drinking regulations do not apply to them, particularly in a party capital like Bangkok. However, the legal age to buy and drink alcohol is the same for everyone, even tourists. There are the same rules for everyone: you have to be at least 20 years old to buy booze and at least 18 years old to officially drink it. This includes everyone from backpackers on Khao San Road and expats living in Sukhumvit.
People often think that bars and clubs are more inviting to tourists when they're there. Some lesser-known venues might not strictly check IDs, but age limits are more closely enforced at big clubs, rooftop bars, and high-end places. Passports or IDs are often asked for at the door by security at popular clubs like Levels, Insanity, and Route 66, especially from people who look younger.
Some people think that foreigners can always buy alcohol. Thailand has strict rules about when you can buy booze. The hours are 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to midnight, and the restrictions apply to everyone, even visitors. Some convenience shops may quietly ignore these rules, but many keep straight to stay out of trouble with the law. If you're underage and want to drink in Bangkok, you could get in a lot of trouble if you use a fake ID or try to sneak into a club. Establishments that serve minors, including visitors, risk severe fines.
Alcohol & Thai Culture – A Love-Hate Relationship
Thailand's approach to alcohol is a combination of celebration and limitation. On the one hand, alcohol is a mainstay of social life, from family reunions to street-side pubs. Buddhist beliefs, on the other hand, say that drinking too much is bad, and government rules are meant to limit drinking, especially among young people.
When Thai people celebrate, they often drink alcohol at events like weddings, festivals, and work parties. Chang and Singha beers, as well as Thai whiskies like SangSom, are very popular in the region. However, drinking alcohol is not allowed at many cultural and religious events, especially those that have to do with Buddhism. During some Buddhist holidays, like Makha Bucha and Visakha Bucha, all sales of alcohol are banned, even in places with lots of tourists.
Bangkok has stricter rules about drinking than places like Tokyo or Berlin. In places like Khao San Road, people often drink on the street, but in more traditional areas, it's seen as rude. In contrast to some Western countries, being drunk in public is not accepted, and loud behavior can quickly get the attention of the police.
Many limits aside, Bangkok still has a lively nighttime, with everything from rooftop bars to neon-lit parties. There is a fine line between having fun and following the rules when drinking in Thailand, though. Understanding these subtleties helps tourists enjoy Bangkok's nightlife without breaking any laws or cultural customs.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
Thailand has strict laws about drinking, and people who break them can be fined a lot and get in trouble with the law. Fines of 10,000 to 50,000 THB ($280 to $1,400) could be given to people who are found drinking or buying booze before they turn 18 or 20. Some people may also be held and have to go to court, which can be a lot of trouble for tourists and expats.
Even worse things happen to businesses. If bars, clubs, or shops sell liquor to underage customers, they could be fined up to 400,000 THB ($11, 000), and their liquor license could also be taken away. Some places have even been closed for good after being found selling booze to minors.
Foreigners should be extra mindful because getting caught with an alcohol-related infraction could get them kicked out of Thailand or put on an immigration blacklist. If you use a fake ID or try to bribe a police officer, you could face even harsher punishments, like jail time.
It's best to follow the rules, carry an ID, and drink sensibly to stay out of problems. Even though Bangkok's nightlife is great, it's not worth getting in trouble for a drink.
Great, You Can Drink! Now Here’s Where to Go
Now that you've learned the regulations, let's talk about the enjoyable part: where to drink in Bangkok. The city's nightlife is just as varied as its street food. There are fancy rooftop bars and rowdy dive bars. Bangkok has something for everyone. You can drink cocktails with a view of the skyline, party until dawn, or find a secret bar.
Rooftop Bars – Drinks with a View
The beautiful rooftop bars in Bangkok are famous for their views of the city's skyline while you sip a world-class drink. These places are must-sees:
Vertigo & Moon Bar –This open-air bar is on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel and has great city views.
Sky Bar at Lebua – Famous for being in The Hangover 2, this is one of the world's tallest rooftop bars.
Above Riva – A rooftop bar by the river with stunning views of the Grand Palace and the Chao Phraya River.
Hidden Speakeasies – Secret Drinks & Vibes
For those who like underground cocktail culture, Bangkok has a booming speakeasy scene.
Teens of Thailand – This gin bar may be found in Chinatown, concealed behind an unmarked wooden door.
Maggie Choo’s – A secret speakeasy in the spirit of Shanghai, with live jazz.
Find The Locker Room – One of Thonglor's "hidden behind a locker" watering holes that serves up intriguing drinks.
Party Streets – Where the Night Never Ends
Journey to these well-known nightlife spots if you're seeking crazy, all-night parties:
Khao San Road – The backpacker district of Bangkok, known for its abundance of inexpensive drinks, street entertainers, and pubs. Indulge in neon-lit drink pitchers and relentless music.
Sukhumvit (Soi 11 & Soi 55/Thonglor) – A haven for trendy bars and posh nightclubs including Levels, Insanity, and Sing Sing Theater.
RCA (Royal City Avenue) – A popular destination for tourists and locals alike, this nightlife hub has renowned clubs such as Route 66 and Onyx.
Bangkok has a nighttime culture that will blow your mind, whether you're looking for hidden speakeasies, chaotic street parties, or relaxing rooftop vibes. Take it easy, play by the rules, and revel in the city's legendary nightlife!
So, Are You Ready for a Drink?
You can have a great time drinking in Bangkok now that you know the rules. Just make sure you follow them. To summarize, the legal drinking age is 18, but you must be 20 to buy alcohol. There are rules in Thailand that might be tougher than those in some other countries, but they are there to keep things in proper order.
Sometimes the rules are enforced more strictly than others, but it's always best to follow them, carry an ID, and drink responsibly. Bangkok's nightlife has something for everyone, from drinking drinks on a rooftop to finding secret speakeasies to having fun on Khao San Road.
If you want to enjoy everything the city has to offer, go ahead and order that drink. Remember that the best nights out are the ones you remember, so be smart, stay safe, and respect the culture of the place you're visiting.
