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 They argue that the outdated 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. alcohol sales ban no longer makes sense.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.

[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.

 

 

[jacko45k]

12 hours ago, petermik said:

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

Perhaps these dry days are very beneficial to the many other tourist attractions around the area..... instead of sitting at a bar in Buakhao, swilling beer from 10am until falling off the stool. A trip to Nong Nooch, or a waterpark, or go see the cute Moo Daeng in Sri Racha.... enjoy a fresh passion fruit juice while walking in the sun, quite delicious!

[petedk]

14 hours ago, Cardano said:

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.

 

Only too true. 

I passed my local Thai pub 6.30 this morning and there were about 10 people sitting outside happily drinking beer as if it was a normal thing to do.

 

Go to the tourist areas and everything is closed.

[mikebell]

15 hours ago, petermik said:

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

Most Thais don't.  Lots of bars will be serving alcohol in cups.

[mikebell]

15 hours ago, Cardano said:

where in budist scripture does it mention abstinence from alcohol on 4 or 5 days per year?

Where does it say Thais can't eat beef?

[brewsterbudgen]

2 minutes ago, mikebell said:

Most Thais don't.  Lots of bars will be serving alcohol in cups.

Yes, it's a nonsense to claim that an alcohol sales ban is "Thai culture"!

[hotandsticky]

1 minute ago, mikebell said:

  Lots of bars will be serving alcohol in cups.

 

Not in Pattaya.......or many other places.....this is a big Buddha day and I have seen a corner shop on the dark side fined 40,000 Baht for selling alcohol on Makha Buccha Day.

 

[Ralf001]

Just now, hotandsticky said:

I have seen a corner shop on the dark side fined 40,000 Baht for selling alcohol on Makha Buccha Day.

 

 

You were there when the police gave the fine ?

[brewsterbudgen]

4 minutes ago, mikebell said:

Where does it say Thais can't eat beef?

Only some Chinese-Thais do this.  The majority eat loads of beef, especially in the south where many Thais don't eat pork.

[hotandsticky]

15 hours ago, petermik said:

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

 

 

Garbage.

 

This is not "culture" it is the antiquated imposition of a controlling government.

 

 

Sign up the monkhood if you want to be Buddhist.

 

 

 

 

[hotandsticky]

9 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

You were there when the police gave the fine ?

 

You doubt me oh knowledgeable/skeptical one?

[Ralf001]

1 minute ago, hotandsticky said:

 

You doubt me oh knowledgeable/skeptical one?

 

Sure do.

[Celsius]

AQI 150 in Pattaya 

[hotandsticky]

1 minute ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Sure do.

 

 

Don't judge everyone by your own low standards

[Andre0720]

Oh rules, sign of civilization in this world.

Must start with rules aimed at children one would think.

And then, well, let's hope that someone is working on a next step to this new venture here.......

[quake]

Thank you and respect to the Ma & Pa shops of Thailand.

Good job. 

[cdnvic]

Removed a post that was very insulting to Thais.

[KhunBENQ]

Poor girls.
Thaifriendly should be overflowing today.

See the good side of things

[Ralf001]

15 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Don't judge everyone by your own low standards

 

I dont, but I do judge those that lie.

[Moonlover]

29 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

29 minutes ago, mikebell said:

  Lots of bars will be serving alcohol in cups.

 

29 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

Not in Pattaya.......or many other places.....this is a big Buddha day and I have seen a corner shop on the dark side fined 40,000 Baht for selling alcohol on Makha Buccha Day.

 

I agree with H & S. This non alcohol day is observed throughout the country. I've read in other posts about M & P shops selling alcohol. Not so in our village. In fact the village shop is closed completely on this and all religious observance days.

 

My playbook has always said respect the laws and cultural rules of whichever country one chooses to live in. If you can't do that then you shouldn't be here!

[Emdog]

Buddhism is a moderation religion. "It might be better for you if you didn't drink" vs "Thou shalt not drink" take on things.

So on those religious holidays abstaining should be a choice for the practicing Buddhists. Something to do with will power. It is easy to give things up when you don't have them anyway, like ban on booze.

And ban sign of tone deaf government: there are many people of other faiths (Muslim,Hindu,  Jewish, Christian, Daoist, etc) and no faith at all.... Why should they have to observe (alleged) religious restrictions for faiths they don't follow. Oh yeah, ditto for tourists.

[norfolkandchance]

37 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

Not in Pattaya.......or many other places.....this is a big Buddha day and I have seen a corner shop on the dark side fined 40,000 Baht for selling alcohol on Makha Buccha Day.

 

Jomtein. Beach Rd.Soi 4. Two years ago.

[CallumWK]

13 minutes ago, norfolkandchance said:

Jomtein. Beach Rd.Soi 4. Two years ago.

 

That is a great picture, taken 7 days BEFORE Makha Bucha day 2023

 

[Briggsy]

17 hours 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

My vote is "Keep the Law!" and Keep Christmas in Farangland too.

[dinsdale]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

While locals spend the day engaged in merit-making and visiting temples

LOL. As I type this locals will be heavily engaged in drinking not merit making.