Just a Reminder: It’s Illegal To Post Photos of Booze in Thailand
Headed to Thailand? Make sure not to post a selfie with a drink while you’re there, or you may face a huge fine—and maybe even jail time.
“Don’t drink and Facebook” is always good advice. But in Thailand, it’s also the law. You see, in 2008 a law went into effect prohibiting the advertising of alcohol or “enticing” others to drink—and photos on social media apparently are considered advertisements. Violators face fines of up to 200,000 baht, or about US$6,000, and potentially up to a year in jail.
But the law was scantly enforced until recently, when a major Thai-language newspaper reported that police have said they’ll be monitoring social media for any posts that show the consumption of alcohol and cracking down on violators—celebrities, public figures, and ordinary citizens included.
Yes, the Thai government will literally be punishing people for showing themselves having a good time.
A high-profile crackdown has happened before, in 2015. In that case, several celebrities simultaneously posted photos of themselves with Chang Beer, a major Thai beer brand. Although the celebs denied being paid for the posts, the concurrent timing of the posts seemed to not be coincidental. The stars apologized and deleted the posts.
But now, the government has declared it will be taking action against ordinary citizens (and, perhaps, tourists too). Thai publications The Nation and the Bangkok Post have posted outrage-tinged warnings about the renewed enforcement of the photo ban. “In the news report, the police general seems determined to tackle law violators indiscriminately. He even suggested a grace period. ‘Delete them now, and police will not take any action, but otherwise, prepare for hefty fine,'” the Bangkok Post quotes a Thai-language news report as saying.
Bangkok’s bartenders are keeping a sense of humor about the whole thing, however. BK reports that some are blurring out wide swaths of photos they’re posting to social media to underscore how ridiculous and limiting the ban is.
That’s one way to flout the law… but we’d encourage travelers to be on the safe side and wait to post any photos of drinks until you’re safely back home.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.