Alcohol licenses Licensed
Whether you're opening a brewery, stocking a bar, or importing spirits into Thailand, alcohol licensing comes with its own set of rules, and getting them wrong can mean real delays or penalties. We handle manufacturing, selling, and import licenses alike, guiding you through the Excise Department's process with the same care and clarity we bring to every client, so you can focus on your business, not the paperwork.
THE RIGHT LICENSE
Types of Alcohol Licenses in Thailand
Manufacturing Alcohol
For businesses planning to manufacture alcoholic beverages in Thailand, obtaining an alcohol license for manufacturing from the Excise Department is essential. There are different regulations for various types of alcohol production, such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits.
Selling Alcohol
Businesses that intend to sell alcohol in Thailand, such as bars, restaurants, and retail shops, must secure a Type 1 liquor selling license. This alcohol license is essential for establishments selling alcohol directly to consumers, whether the alcohol is imported or produced locally.
Importing Alcohol
If your business plans to import alcoholic beverages into Thailand, securing an import alcohol license is mandatory. This license is required for the commercial importation of alcohol and is subject to various regulatory procedures.
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REQUIREMENTS
Manufacturing Alcohol
Businesses planning to manufacture alcoholic beverages in Thailand need an alcohol license for manufacturing from the Excise Department. The specific requirements depend on what you're producing, beer and wine are treated differently from distilled spirits, which face a more stringent process.
Beer & Wine (Undistilled, Under 15% Alcohol)
Microbreweries
Producing under 100,000 liters annually requires a microbrewery license, including detailed information about production volumes, equipment, and safety protocols.
Larger Breweries
Producing over 100,000 liters annually requires a full brewery license, involving higher regulatory requirements around equipment, facility inspections, and safety standards.
Distilled Spirits (Over 15% Alcohol)
Distilled spirits face stricter regulation and require approval from the Ministry of Industry in addition to the Excise Department. Producers must comply with:
- Additional safety and quality control standards, including facility inspections and documentation of the distillation process
- A facility located at least 100 meters from public water sources, with proper waste treatment systems in place
- Clear separation of the distillery from residential areas
- Demonstrated expertise in managing production volumes and safety measures at larger scale
Documents Required
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A completed application form, available at the Excise Department
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Proof of business registration and tax identification
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Shareholder details and a copy of the MOA
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Details of the production facility, including location, equipment, and storage capacities
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Facility blueprints
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Certificate of right to use the land for the distillery, from the district office
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Compliance documentation for safety and health regulations, including fire safety measures
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Engineer's certificate for distilled liquor
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Blueprint of the wastewater treatment system, if applicable
REQUIREMENTS
Selling Alcohol
Businesses that intend to sell alcohol in Thailand, such as bars, restaurants, and retail shops, must secure a Type 1 liquor selling license. This applies to any establishment selling alcohol directly to consumers, whether the alcohol is imported or produced locally.
Application Process
Supporting Documents Required
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Business registration documents and proof of business tax identification
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Director's ID or passport, and work permit if applicable
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Consent letter to sell alcohol, or lease agreement
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Proforma invoice for the alcohol products, showing quantities and pricing
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A sample label of the alcohol product(s) being sold
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Location details of the business premises, including floor plans and zoning compliance
Additional Regulations
Operating Hours
Alcohol may currently be sold between 11am and midnight, with nightlife venues permitted to let customers continue drinking until around 1am. Exemptions apply for international airports, hotels, and certain licensed entertainment venues. These hours have changed more than once recently, worth confirming they're still current before relying on them.
Local Zoning
Alcohol sales are subject to zoning restrictions, generally prohibited in residential areas or near educational institutions, temples, or certain government buildings. Confirm your premises complies before applying.
REQUIREMENTS
Importing Alcohol
If your business plans to import alcoholic beverages into Thailand, securing an import alcohol license is mandatory. This license is required for the commercial importation of alcohol and is subject to various regulatory procedures.
Commercial Trade Imports
Documents Required
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A copy of your Type 1 liquor selling license, if applicable
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Invoices or proforma invoices detailing product types, quantities, and pricing
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Label approval from the Excise Department for each product, particularly important for wine and spirits
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Distributor authorization, evidence that the seller is an authorized distributor for the imported liquor
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Proof of business premises, such as a lease agreement or house registration
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A Certificate of Analysis showing test results confirming the imported liquor meets safety and quality standards
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Identification documents of the business owner or legal representative
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Power of Attorney, if a third party is submitting the application on your behalf
Personal or Non-Commercial Imports
A simpler set of documents applies if you're importing for personal use rather than resale:
- A copy of the importer's ID card, for individuals
- A business registration or certificate of registration, for juristic persons importing alcohol
Customs Duties & Taxes
Customs duties and taxes apply to imported alcohol, based on the type and quantity involved. The Excise Department sets the applicable rates, which vary depending on whether the alcohol is beer, wine, or spirits. Compliance with these tax obligations is required to avoid penalties.
TRUST AND ACCOUNTABILITY
What Clients Say
LUKAS KIRCHBERGER
Very professional and reliable law firm with excellent communication. They were clear, responsive, and provided practical legal advice without unnecessary complications. I felt well supported throughout the entire process and can highly recommend Attori Law to both individuals and businesses seeking legal assistance in Thailand.
CONRADO CATIMBANG
I had the pleasure of working with this company for registering my business, as well as handling my visa, work permit, and trademark filing. The entire process was seamless and efficient. They were consistently professional, knowledgeable, and provided amazing suggestions whenever I had concerns. They also kept me updated every step of the way, making the experience stress-free. Their kindness and helpfulness truly stood out. I highly recommend them!
SANKET VELHAL
I was handling a complicated situation around Thai business compliance + immigration/Non-B visa process, with deadlines and a lot of moving parts. Their team stayed calm, explained things clearly, and gave me realistic options instead of false promises... ... If you’re an expat or business owner in Thailand and you need help with visa/work permit, company filings, or compliance, I would definitely recommend Attori Law. They know what they’re doing and they treat clients with respect.
TRYSTAN TRESTCHENKOFF
Me and my partner registered a company with Attori and for now the service is reliable, good and on time. I recommend them to anyone willing to register a company in Thailand.
Scott
Simple and straightforward to talk to for all business and work permit related matters. Excellent customer service!
JOHN BEARDMORE
Attori Law provides excellent legal support. Golf offers a very personalized service, taking the time to understand every detail and making the whole process smooth and professional. Highly recommended.
HIGHLY EXPERIENCED
Why Partner With Attori Law
Foreign perspective, Thai legal expertise
Foreign-owned ourselves, we sit on both sides: how international businesses actually operate, and how Thai law applies to them
Direct access to the people doing the work
You deal directly with the lawyers handling your application, not a rotating point of contact with no real authority
Transparent, upfront pricing
You'll know what a matter costs before we start, not after.
We prepare applications to avoid the most common delays
Incomplete documentation and missed approvals are the most frequent reasons applications get held up. We build yours to avoid both from the start.
We explain the reasoning, not just the result
You'll understand your position and the requirements involved, not just receive a document and a bill.
A relationship that grows with you
One license today, another as your business expands. We handle what comes next, rather than treating each matter as a one-off.
FAQs
Do I need a different license for manufacturing and selling alcohol?
Yes. Manufacturing alcohol requires a license from the Excise Department, distinct from the Type 1 license needed to sell alcohol to consumers. If you do both, you'll need both licenses.
What's the difference between distilled and undistilled spirits for licensing purposes?
Undistilled spirits, beer and wine, have under 15% alcohol content and are licensed through the Excise Department alone. Distilled spirits, over 15%, require additional approval from the Ministry of Industry and face stricter facility and safety requirements.
Can I import alcohol for personal use without a full commercial license?
Yes. Personal or non-commercial imports require a much simpler set of documents than commercial trade imports, just an ID card for individuals, or basic business registration for juristic persons.
Do I need a Type 1 selling license if I'm also importing alcohol?
If you plan to sell the alcohol you import directly to consumers, yes, a copy of your Type 1 license is actually one of the required documents for the commercial import application itself.
What are the current hours alcohol can be sold?
As of our latest information, sales are permitted between 11am and midnight, with nightlife venues allowed to serve until around 1am. This has changed more than once recently, so we'd recommend confirming the current rule with us directly rather than relying on a fixed answer.
Is there a minimum Thai ownership requirement for a manufacturing license?
Yes. To produce beer or distilled spirits commercially, the applicant generally must be a Thai company with at least 51% Thai shareholding, unless a specific treaty provides otherwise.
Do I need a separate license just to transport alcohol?
In some cases, yes. Transporting untaxed alcohol from a factory, or moving more than 10 liters of alcohol between provinces, both require their own authorization, separate from a manufacturing or selling license.
What happens if I operate without the required license?
Producing, selling, or importing alcohol without the correct license is illegal in Thailand and can lead to significant fines or imprisonment. We'd need to confirm the specific consequences for your situation, but it's a real risk worth taking seriously.