Alcohol & Cannabis Laws
Understand the regulations around alcohol, cannabis, and other substances in Thailand. Laws differ significantly from Western countries.
Alcohol Laws
- Legal drinking age is 20 years old
- Alcohol sales prohibited 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM daily
- Alcohol sales prohibited after midnight - 11:00 AM
- No alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays (varies)
- No alcohol near temples, schools, hospitals
- Blood alcohol limit for driving: 0.05%
Note: Buddhist holidays like Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asalha Bucha have 24-hour alcohol bans.
Cannabis Laws
Decriminalized
2022
Cannabis was removed from the narcotics list in June 2022. However, strict regulations apply.
Do
- ✓ Purchase from licensed dispensaries only
- ✓ Consume in private spaces or designated areas
- ✓ Keep purchases under personal use amounts
- ✓ Ask about THC content before consuming
Don't
- ✗ Smoke in public places (fine up to 25,000 THB)
- ✗ Drive under the influence
- ✗ Sell without a license
- ✗ Take cannabis products out of Thailand
- ✗ Give to anyone under 20
Other Substances
| Substance | Status | Penalty/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-cigarettes / Vaping | Illegal | Fine up to 30,000 THB, confiscation, possible jail |
| Kratom | Legal | Decriminalized in 2021. Can be purchased and consumed. |
| Magic Mushrooms | Illegal | Category 5 narcotic. Heavy penalties including imprisonment. |
| Hard Drugs (Meth, Heroin, Cocaine) | Highly Illegal | Severe penalties: long imprisonment to death penalty for trafficking. |
Serious Warning
Thailand has severe penalties for drugs, including long imprisonment and the death penalty for trafficking. Never accept packages from strangers. Never smuggle any controlled substances in or out.