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.

[ozz1]

Mum and dad stores don't care it's more business for them

[dinsdale]

Pity they don't mention actual times with this. 6 pm Sat til midnight Sun. As for the excuses relating to voting this is complete and utter nonsense as alcohol will a) still be available and b) still be consumed as it always is when these "bans" happen.

[steven100]

11 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

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

only the third class 7-11 drinkers are affected.

your talking nonsense again...   Visakha Bucha Day is regarded as one of the most important calender buddha holidays.  No alcohol is sold during this time. 

 

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

[thesetat]

Already seeing Macro raids in the beer section. Mom and pop stores buying extra to prepare for the holidays...

[mikeymike100]

Is this just for Phuket, or will other main tourist areas be also affected, Bangkok, Pattaya...etc?

[wensiensheng]

3 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

Is this just for Phuket, or will other main tourist areas be also affected, Bangkok, Pattaya...etc?

Elections, no. Revered Buddha day, country wide?

 

Just guessing

[FlorC]

Good news is that the noisy election promotion cars will stop.

[Watawattana]

14 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

Is this just for Phuket, or will other main tourist areas be also affected, Bangkok, Pattaya...etc?

No mention of elections in Bangkok, so I assume the restrictions are just for the Buddhist holiday.  So, 00:00hrs to 23:59 on Sunday the 11th.  Apart from said mom & pop places.  I'm no expert on this though.  

[Watawattana]

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

Pity they don't mention actual times with this. 6 pm Sat til midnight Sun. As for the excuses relating to voting this is complete and utter nonsense as alcohol will a) still be available and b) still be consumed as it always is when these "bans" happen.

As a fairly experienced project manager, I'll be using those hard earned skills to buy ahead of time should I choose to do so. 😂.

 

But if I do consume I probably won't be doing it publicly.

[MalcolmB]

1 hour ago, steven100 said:

your talking nonsense again...   Visakha Bucha Day is regarded as one of the most important calender buddha holidays.  No alcohol is sold during this time. 

 

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

Steven obviously never actually stayed in a 5 star resort during a Buddhist holiday. 
 

[steven100]

3 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Steven obviously never actually stayed in a 5 star resort during a Buddhist holiday. 
 

 

I did years ago,  but I remember they wouldn't serve beer,  but maybe things are less stringent now ...

do Shangri-la and places like that sell?

[connda]

But but but - alcohol is available in Vietnam this weekend.

"You! Farang tourist.  You no Buddhist!  Too bad.  Visakha Bucha Day so no alcohol of you."
"You! Farang tourist.  You no Thai.  No can vote. Too bad.  We have elections so no alcohol of you."
"You! Farang tourist.  You no Thai?  Just here for vacation? Too bad.  No alcohol for you from 2pm to 5pm.  Shut up and drink water."
"You! Farang tourist.  You national security risk as soon as you get off plane.  You fill out TM-6 and now Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) or no entry for you.  Bad Farangs. We keep track of you in database.  We watch you! We know you all criminal so we watch you close close."

Dear foreign tourists.  Neither local elections and Buddhist holiday stop tourist from enjoying their vacation or having a drink on the beach. We don't force you to comply to our personal religious preference as we understand you have your own both religious and secular preferences.  So consider a lovely vacation in beautiful and tourism friendly Vietnam.  And no TDAC/TM-6 required.  Your hotel and accommodations will take care of any paperwork.  We just want you to enjoy your vacation!  ❤️
--Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT)

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!!! 

[steven100]

Fancy some tourist flying into Phuket thinking they can just go to the beach or the pool and relax with a cold beer. 

 

just ridiculous ....  what were those holiday makers thinking,   it's a damn election & buddha. !!

 

[connda]

2 hours ago, ozz1 said:

Mum and dad stores don't care it's more business for them

Yep - out here in Nowhereville Tambon TheSticks Amphun Boondocks no one cares.  Not like the cities and tourist hot-spots, which if Thailand was smart (they aren't), they would make exceptions in their alcohol policies for foreigners on vacation. 

However - their country, their rules - and nobody is forcing anyone to travel here.  There are other options in Southeast Asia which don't have the same tourist unfriendly rules and regulations!.  So, come to Thailand and you're treated like a Buddhist on Buddhist holidays. Really - it was your choice to vacation here.  Don't complain.  "We didn't know?"  Well, boo hoo - now you do.  Well - unless you venture out to Nowhereville Tambon TheSticks Amphun Boondocks where Mom & Pop are happy to sell you a few beers to take home or back to your home-stay and enjoy regardless of the day or time of day.

Actually, even in places like Chiang Mai, if you venture out of the city 7 to 10 kilometers and venture off the main roads, you'll find plenty of Mom & Pop store happy to accommodate. The BIB is just going to patrol the tourist areas to whip the "bad farang" into submission. 

[dinsdale]

2 hours ago, steven100 said:

your talking nonsense again...   Visakha Bucha Day is regarded as one of the most important calender buddha holidays.  No alcohol is sold during this time. 

Yep and it's a holiday and this year it's Sunday but as with every year millions of Thais will be consuming alcohol. They just can't buy it "officially" or drink it at restaurants or bars that must take the financial hit on days like these. There is absolutely no logic to the ban. The same applies to election days.

[connda]

15 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

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..

So next vacation?  Consider Cambodia or Vietnam.  Gawd - Vietnam is one long beach.  And no restrictions of having a beer in the middle of a hot afternoon while enjoying the sea breeze on the beach.

[connda]

2 hours ago, steven100 said:

Visakha Bucha Day is regarded as one of the most important calender buddha holidays.  No alcohol is sold during this time. 

Sure it is.  You just need to know where to find it.  And you're kidding yourself if you actually think every Thai Buddhist in the country is "dry" on Buddhist holidays.  Anytime there is a holiday - it's party time.  I have no doubt we'll hear loud music playing from variously points in our village like during all holidays, and wherever there is loud music, there is booze. 

[connda]

1 hour ago, mikeymike100 said:

Is this just for Phuket, or will other main tourist areas be also affected, Bangkok, Pattaya...etc?

I think the elections may be nationwide.  I know we have elections up here in our neck of the woods in Northern Thailand.  But they are basically local elections at the Tambon/Amphur level.

[ronster]

Russians will think it's Armageddon day ! 🍺🤯

[JJ-Thailand]

Phuuu, already prepared.

[ChipButty]

15 hours ago, steven100 said:

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.  

How about a 17 hour flight what do you get for that?

[steven100]

1 minute ago, ChipButty said:

How about a 17 hour flight what do you get for that?

glass of water  

[superal]

25 minutes ago, connda said:

Yep - out here in Nowhereville Tambon TheSticks Amphun Boondocks no one cares.  Not like the cities and tourist hot-spots, which if Thailand was smart (they aren't), they would make exceptions in their alcohol policies for foreigners on vacation. 

However - there country, their rules - and nobody is forcing anyone to travel here.  There are other options in Southeast Asia which don't have the same tourist unfriendly rules and regulations!.  So, come to Thailand and you're treated like a Buddhist on Bhddhist holidays. Really - it was your choice to vacation here.  Don't complain.  Well - unless you venture out to Nowhereville Tambon TheSticks Amphun Boondocks where Mom & Pop are happy to sell you a few beers to take home or back to your home-stay and enjoy regardless of the day or time of day.

It seems that Vietnam is a more tourist friendly country than Thailand . The majority of short term tourists will not be aware of the Buddhist days restrictions in Thailand that make no sense to impose on foreign , non Buddhist tourists . 

However I think I am right to say that only selling alcohol is banned but not drinking ? So maybe an organised  party and guests to bring their own booze . Or simply have a day off the drink .