In 2026, Thailand is still one of the easiest countries to travel to, but a few recent rule changes can trip you up if you’re not paying attention before you arrive.

From alcohol timings to digital arrival forms and payments, these travel updates affect everyday moments. Knowing them in advance saves time, money, and unnecessary stress on your trip.

Here’s what every traveller should know before landing.

1. Alcohol Rules Changed and Changed Again

Thailand changed its alcohol laws last fall. They tried banning afternoon drinks but scrapped it fast after complaints, now you can buy and sip from 11 AM to midnight anywhere normally.

What’s New:

• The old afternoon ban from 2 PM to 5 PM is gone.
• You can buy and drink alcohol freely from 11 AM to midnight.

What Still Applies:

• Drinking or buying alcohol from midnight to 11 AM is banned.
• The fine can go up to 10,000 baht, even for tourists.

Important Exceptions:

• Airport bars after security
• Licensed hotel bars and room service
• Properly licensed nightclubs

Quick Tip: If you’re unsure, ask the venue. Late-night drinks outside licensed places are where travellers get caught.

2. Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card Is Now Mandatory

Forget paper arrival cards; the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is now required for all foreigners, even kids, within 72 hours before landing.

What You Need to Know:

• Fill it out within 72 hours before arrival
• It’s free on the official immigration website
• You’ll get a QR code to show at immigration

If You Forget: Some airports have kiosks, but queues are long. Do it before flying and save yourself the headache.

Who Still Needs It: Almost everyone, including children. Only transit passengers skipping immigration are exempt.

3. Grab and Bolt Now Ask for ID Checks

If you are planning to use any riding app in Thailand, the rules are getting tighter. Drivers show licenses and photos upfront, and you’ll verify once with phone SMS, passport scan, and selfie. It boosts safety but might mean longer waits till more drivers comply.

What Changed:

• Drivers must be fully licensed and verified
• Apps now ask passengers for basic identity checks

Travellers Need to:

• Verify their phone number
• Upload a passport photo
• Take a quick selfie in the app

What This Means for You:

• Safer rides
• Clear fares
• Possibly longer wait times during peak hours

Tip: Set up your app at the hotel with good WiFi, not when you’re rushing out of the airport.

4. Tourists Can Finally Use Thailand’s QR Payments

Thailand runs on QR codes. Now tourists can use them too.

Two Ways It Works

• Chinese travellers can pay directly using Alipay or WeChat Pay
• Other travellers can use the TAGTHAi app with Easy Pay

Why This Helps

• Street food becomes easier
• Markets and taxis often prefer QR payments
• Less need for exact change

Reality check: Cash is still needed in some places. Carry at least 1,000–2,000 baht in small notes, just in case.

5. White Temple Entry Fee Has Doubled

If Chiang Rai is on your list, budget slightly more. The stunning White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) increased foreign entry to 200 baht from January 1, 2026; Thais are still free.

New price

• Foreign visitors now pay 200 baht
• Thai citizens enter for free

Why the increase: The White Temple is privately funded and expensive to maintain. The fee helps preserve the site.

Is it still worth it? Yes. Even at 200 baht, it’s one of Thailand’s most unique and memorable sights.

Final Thoughts

Thailand hasn’t become complicated, but it has become stricter in a few key areas. Alcohol timing, digital forms, ride apps, and payments now matter more than before. Get these five things right, and the rest of your trip will stay exactly as it should be. Easy, relaxed, and unforgettable.

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