The National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee will set up a panel to study the proposal to extend alcohol sales hours, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said.
Dr Cholnan said there are several laws and regulations regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages, and these rules must be reviewed before any changes are made to the policy.
He said the study will examine the impact of longer drinking hours on public health and economic growth, as currently, there is not enough data for the committee to make a decision.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has estimated the overall revenue from the tourism sector could reach 1.2 trillion baht after the policy change, with revenues from food and beverage sales accounting for one-sixth of the total, or about 200 billion baht.
Foreign tourists often order drinks with a meal and can be confused by the rules on alcohol sales.
However, Dr Cholnan said the number of accidents in the five provinces where the operating hours of night entertainment venues are extended has also increased.
There is no deadline for the study's completion.
A committee on alcoholic beverage controls last week decided not to extend alcohol sales hours, citing the impact of longer drinking hours on public health and societal welfare.
By law, alcoholic beverages can be sold between 11am-2pm and 5pm to midnight.
