Pattaya Prepares for Silent Night: Alcohol Ban Hits Tourists

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Pattaya's vibrant nightlife is about to take an unexpected pause. To honor Makha Bucha Day, a significant Buddhist holiday, officials have imposed a strict alcohol ban. From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on February 12, all businesses, including shops, pubs, and bars, are barred from selling alcohol.

 

The Pattaya Police Department has issued a warning to all establishments, emphasizing compliance. Violators face fines of up to 10,000 baht or six months in prison. This measure is part of Thailand's tradition of respecting religious observances.

 

While locals spend the day engaged in merit-making and visiting temples, many foreign tourists are caught off guard. Expecting to enjoy Pattaya’s renowned nightlife, visitors find themselves facing closed bars and dry restaurants, leading to widespread frustration.

 

Business owners must navigate these regulations carefully or risk penalties. For further inquiries, establishments can reach out to Pattaya City Police Station at 038-420804-5.

 

 

Despite the ban being temporary, many tourists question its necessity, especially in a major tourist hub like Pattaya. Meanwhile, business owners are pressing for change. They argue that the outdated 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. alcohol sales ban no longer makes sense.

 

The push for reform gains momentum as a new bill to amend the alcohol beverage control law progresses in the House of Representatives. Kawee Sakawee, Chairperson of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association, notes that the restriction was initially aimed to prevent civil servants from drinking during work hours, a rule he believes needs modernization.

 

With the alcohol industry bringing in around 600 billion baht annually and contributing roughly 150 billion baht to government funds, updating the law could align with economic interests. While Thai residents have adapted to these regulations, the ban continues to pose challenges for international visitors looking to enjoy their stay, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-02-11

 

 

[scubascuba3]

Get rid of that law, also those no alcohol days like Wednesday, so much money must be lost by businesses on those days

[petermik]

23 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Get rid of that law, also those no alcohol days like Wednesday, so much money must be lost by businesses on those days

Respect the countries culture and beliefs.......

[KireB]

59 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Get rid of that law, also those no alcohol days like Wednesday, so much money must be lost by businesses on those days

Tourists and locals will still spend their money, be it on different things.

[Cardano]

25 minutes ago, petermik said:

Respect the countries culture and beliefs.......

I assume you're referring to budist culture and beliefs; if so where in budist scripture does it mention abstinence from alcohol on 4 or 5 days per year? Also who do you want to repect? The elite 5% who enact these laws but never abide by them or the other 95% who wouldn't know what culture is if it smacked them upside their heads and who believe the law doesn't apply to them, so will drink away merrily. The only people harmed by these stupid laws are tourists and the hospitality industy.

[steven100]

1 hour ago, petermik said:

Respect the countries culture and beliefs.......

your joking right !!  respect "  Thais wouldn't know respect if itbit them on the arse ....

 

what culture? scam & scheme how to cheat someone, rip folks off double pricing,  jetski accident scams, motorbike rental scams, thiefs and cheats,  Do you want me to go on ....   no' I didn't think so ..    Lol   geeeze ...   take those tinted glasses off    

[Tropicalevo]

Think of all of the things that make us all happy to live here in Thailand.

All of Thailand's strange attitudes, laws (and not enforcing them), the culture etc are all part of why we live here.

The very few 'no alcohol' days every year are part of that culture.

So, stock up or go to the places where you know that you can get a drink, but stop whinging about it every year.