Report Phuket's Weekend Booze Ban: Elections and Visakha Bucha Day Prompt Crackdown

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Phuket's residents face a dry weekend, as dual alcohol bans take centre stage due to upcoming municipal elections and Visakha Bucha Day. These restrictions will mean localities across the island will see a significant reduction in alcohol availability.

 

The ban kicks off from Saturday evening, 10th May, stretching through to Sunday evening, 11th May, running concurrently over 30 hours for election-related restrictions, and 24 hours in observance of Visakha Bucha Day, a revered Buddhist holiday. The areas most impacted by the prohibition include key hotspots like Phuket Town, Ratsada, Wichit, Rawai, and Patong, with further regions such as Chalong, Karon, Pa Khlok, and Kathu also subject to the ban.

 

Notably, Srisoonthorn, Cherng Talay, and Thepkrasattri will also experience a cessation of alcohol sales within municipally controlled areas, though places like Kamala, Koh Kaew, and Mai Khao, under subdistrict jurisdiction, will circumvent these restrictions.

 

The reason for aligning these bans during the same window is multifaceted. Primarily, it ensures the integrity and orderliness of the municipal elections, where selecting mayors and council members is pivotal. Election day, from 8 am to 5 pm on Sunday, is particularly sensitive to practices like "Kun Ma Horn" or "Night of the Howling Dogs," where vote-buying can flourish in the absence of strict measures. Historically, alcohol has played a role in such activities, prompting an enforced blackout on its sale to eliminate any undue influence.

 

"The alcohol ban is a measure to ensure a fair election process," asserted ECT Phuket, underlining its role in sustaining a balanced election landscape. Meanwhile, Visakha Bucha Day commands its alcohol restriction nationwide, marking Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing. Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, head of the Phuket Provincial Police, reiterated the decision: "No alcohol sales will be permitted in observance of the religious holiday."

 

Violating either ban is a serious offence. Sellers ignore these rules at their peril, facing penalties of up to six months' incarceration, fines reaching 10,000 baht, or a combination of both. For those indulging in Phuket’s vibrant nightlife, it’s a weekend requiring a pause and reflection over the usual revelry.

 

The ban's effects ripple beyond Sunday, with government offices shutting their doors on Monday, 12th May, marking a national substitution day holiday for Visakha Bucha Day, offering residents a contemplative end to an unusually sober weekend.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-08

 

 

[bkk6060]

Many of these alcoholic tourists will go off the rail without their booze fix.  Should be interesting. 

[ikke1959]

Thailand and its hysteric alcohol laws.. Thailand wants to be a first class tourist destinations, but tourists are not allowed to buy alcohol between 14.00 and 17.00.. So sitting on the beach with a nice cold beer is not done in that time.. If the tourists come to Thailand they have no clue of all further restrictions, just as this example.. local elections no alcohol, Buddhistic holidays, no alcohol, and than there is a ban for foreigners who are vaping while thousands of netizens can do it... How can you be a first class tourist destination with so many restrictions.. No wonder people are looking for alternatives

[steven100]

yeah  ....    that'll  work  ...    the tourist's will really want to come back again ....  

 

knuckleheads ....  

[steven100]

1 hour ago, bkk6060 said:

Many of these alcoholic tourists will go off the rail without their booze fix.  Should be interesting. 

yes, ....  it's ridiculous to think some families & tourists land at Phuket after a 10 hour flight and expect to relax by the pool or beach with a cold beer.  

[MalcolmB]

31 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

but tourists are not allowed to buy alcohol between 14.00 and 17.00.. So sitting on the beach with a nice cold beer is not done in that time..

Every resort I have been to sells beer between these times and during elections.

You need to get out more.

[MalcolmB]

32 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

How can you be a first class tourist destination with so many restrictions..

The first class tourists are served alcohol whenever they want it.

only the third class 7-11 drinkers are affected.