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

[ChipButty]

Would be a good idea if they sold it only in hotels, after all tourist cannot vote, why penalize everyone?, 

[jwest10]

3 minutes ago, superal said:

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 .

Not an expert if previously bought then one can drink at homem surely!!!

[hotchilli]

18 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

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

Maybe there will be fights over no alcohol?

[steven100]

1 hour ago, superal said:

Or simply have a day off the drink

I can't do that 

[Magictoad]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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

 

 

But it's all of Thailand including Pattaya so why does the headline suggest I'd just Phuket problem.  Anyway,  it's not really a problem.  It's part of the charm and character of the place. Just get your booze in stock the day before.

[ChipButty]

11 minutes ago, Magictoad said:

But it's all of Thailand including Pattaya so why does the headline suggest I'd just Phuket problem.  Anyway,  it's not really a problem.  It's part of the charm and character of the place. Just get your booze in stock the day before.

Maybe because this was posted in the Phuket News, 

[Burma Bill]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

alcohol bans take centre stage due to ............. Visakha Bucha Day.

 

For reference, this coming Sunday is also Visakha Bucha Day in Cambodia.

 

There will be no alcohol bans throughout the country.

Here in Siem Reap, Pub Street with all its bars and licensed restaurants will be OPEN as normal.

Thailand - the hub of religious dinosaurs! (with due respect to Buddhism)

 

 

[Burma Bill]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

alcohol bans take centre stage due to ............. Visakha Bucha Day.

 

For reference, this coming Sunday is also Visakha Bucha Day in Cambodia.

 

There will be no alcohol bans throughout the country.

Here in Siem Reap, Pub Street with all its bars and licensed restaurants will be OPEN as normal.

Thailand - the hub of religious dinosaurs! (with due respect to Buddhism)

 

 

[Burma Bill]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

alcohol bans take centre stage due to ............. Visakha Bucha Day.

 

For reference, this coming Sunday is also Visakha Bucha Day in Cambodia.

 

There will be no alcohol bans throughout the country.

Here in Siem Reap, Pub Street with all its bars and licensed restaurants will be OPEN as normal.

Thailand - the hub of religious dinosaurs! (with due respect to Buddhism)

 

 

[steven100]

1 hour ago, Burma Bill said:

 

For reference, this coming Sunday is also Visakha Bucha Day in Cambodia.

 

There will be no alcohol bans throughout the country.

Here in Siem Reap, Pub Street with all its bars and licensed restaurants will be OPEN as normal.

Thailand - the hub of religious dinosaurs! (with due respect to Buddhism)

 

 

 

You posted that silly comment 3 times.       Lol     do you have Alzheimer's or do you stutter ... 

[Peterphuket]

7 hours ago, ozz1 said:

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

These are not known to the tourist, nor to me when I go on holiday for a few days in an area other than where I live.

Or should I take my liquor supply with me on holiday in future.

[Peterphuket]

5 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

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

Of course not, he has a property there, then you won't spend so much money on such a luxury hotel.

[ElwoodP]

Personal attack and troll post removed.

Polite and civil about the forum and it's members please.

[LALes]

You really want to get rid of the Yobbo tourists?  Make it a 30 day booze ban.

That will send them running off.  Probably eliminate a bunch of AN posters, too.

Or, set up a fenced in area with 24 hour guards-kinda like a prison exercise yard-where

people can drink to their hearts content.  Only thing is, you can't leave until you sober up.

[MalcolmB]

1 hour ago, Peterphuket said:

Of course not, he has a property there, then you won't spend so much money on such a luxury hotel.

He probably bought in the wrong area.

[Ralf001]

I heard the booze ban has been removed.

[Seppius]

Bars are allowed to stay open now both days, bar manager(Thai) in Pratumnak, Pattaya  just told me,  not sure if country wide. 

 

Her girls not happy as many had made plans

[uksmdh]

10 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. 

 

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

Beers bans for all ALL Buddha days have been lifted by the Government.  So the ban will be 24 hours purely for the election 6pm - 6pm