Yes, absinthe is legal in Thailand, but only if it complies with strict alcohol content and thujone limits enforced by the Excise Department and FDA. Since 2023, the sale of absinthe with thujone exceeding 10 mg/kg is prohibited, aligning with global standards. Import licenses require pre-approval, and domestic production faces excise tax scrutiny.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Thailand
- Thujone Threshold: Absinthe must contain ≤10 mg/kg thujone, per FDA Notification No. 2023-01. Higher concentrations trigger confiscation under the Alcohol Beverage Control Act.
- Alcohol Content Cap: Products exceeding 50% ABV require special permits from the Excise Department, with imports subject to prior inspection.
- Labeling Mandates: Labels must display thujone content, origin, and importer details in Thai, as per FDA Cosmetic Act B.E. 2562 amendments.
Non-compliance risks fines up to 500,000 THB or imprisonment under Excise Tax Act B.E. 2560. The 2026 draft regulations propose stricter import quotas for high-proof spirits, potentially impacting absinthe availability. Verify current permits via the Excise Department’s e-License portal before procurement.