Fun and entertainment Thailand

Timetable

Officially, bars in Bangkok must close at midnight, but not in all districts... In fact, legislation requires establishments with a restaurant license to close at midnight, while those with a night bar license can close at 1 or 2 am. However, legislation varies from district to district... Complicated! Clubs fall into the latter category and must close at 2am... Too early? Don't worry, the Thais are resourceful and many get round the law...

Budget & Tips

Bar entry is free, while club entry can cost up to B500 or more if an internationally renowned DJ is performing. Bangkok's rooftop bars require proper attire (no open shoes or shorts). While entry is often free, drink prices are often exorbitant...

To be booked

Tickets for performances (theater, dance, music) often need to be purchased in advance, especially in Bangkok and the major cities.

Night transport

Cabs are the safest and most convenient way to get around. Even with the night surcharge, fares are still very reasonable. You can also use the services of Grab or InDriver, Thailand's equivalent of Uber.

Age restrictions

The legal drinking age is 20, and the legal smoking age is 18. The minimum age for entering a nightclub is 20... However, some bars and clubs do not hesitate to accept younger people! If you're at the age limit, or if you look young, it's best to bring some form of identification with you, especially for clubs in the big cities. Some clubs in Bangkok systematically require proof of age.

What's very local

The sale of alcohol is prohibited from 2pm to 5pm and from midnight to 11am nationwide. Of course, these regulations apply to stores (such as the 7 Eleven chain) and not to bars and restaurants. The sale of alcohol is restricted or prohibited on religious holidays. This law is applied differently in each region.

Smokers

Smoking is forbidden in public places and within 5 meters of the premises. Some discotheques have smoking lounges equipped with extractors, as in airports. Others close their eyes to smoking on terraces or outdoors.

Cannabis. Since 2022, anyone over the age of 20 has had the right to buy, possess and consume cannabis. Dispensaries, the Thai equivalent of Dutch coffee-shops, have sprung up all over the country, making it easy to get hold of marijuana. Like tobacco, however, smoking is not permitted in public places.

Tourist traps

Always use official ticket offices to avoid disappointment.