Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has invoked his special powers under Section 44 of the interim charter to tackle illegal street racing, alcohol sales near schools and universities, and illegal nightspot operations.
Bar and club operators slammed the harsh penalties imposed by the order, including a five-year ban on pubs allowing entry to people aged under 20, saying that tens of thousands of jobs could be lost.
The tough measures signed by Gen Prayut were published in the Royal Gazette Thursday, and were due to take immediate effect.