Report Thailand Eases Alcohol Restrictions on Buddhist Holidays with Exceptions

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Mashable SEA

 

In a shift that reflects changing attitudes in Thailand's regulatory policies, the government has announced the easing of its alcohol ban on five traditionally sacred Buddhist holidays. As per the announcement made today in the Royal Gazette, these adjustments come into effect immediately, allowing more flexibility for specific venues to serve alcohol. This change ensued after recommendations from the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee, working under the guidance of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act 2008.

 

Previously, a blanket ban on alcohol sales was enforced on Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha, Khao Phansa, and Ok Phansa. However, recognising the necessity to cater to the country's socio-economic demands, the Prime Minister's Office issued a revised order specifying where exceptions will apply.

 

Under the new regulations, several types of venues may sell alcoholic drinks:

 

1. Airports: International terminals can serve alcohol to passengers with outbound flights. This change aims to enhance the hospitality offered to international travellers, aligning with global airport standards.
2. Service Establishments: Venues classified under the Service Establishment Act, including certain bars and clubs, can continue operating during these holidays. These establishments provide monitored environments where alcohol can be consumed responsibly.
3. Tourist Zones: Certain recognised tourist areas have been granted permission to sell alcohol. Establishments in these zones must be approved by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Interior to ensure they uphold safety and health standards.
4. Hotels: Licenced hotels now have the green light to serve alcohol, allowing guests to enjoy their stay without disruption to usual services.
5. Special Events Venues: Locations hosting large-scale national or international events may receive temporary exemptions. These locations need prior listing by the Ministry of Public Health and approval from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to cater to both local and international visitors effectively.

 

Despite these leniencies, the government stresses the need for stringent control measures. Sellers are tasked with maintaining order, verifying customer ages, and implementing robust screening to avoid serving minors.

 

The recent repeal of December 2024's previous alcohol ban declaration ensures the updated rules apply to all future observances of these five holidays. This policy alteration has sparked active public discourse. Proponents appreciate the economic benefits and the move towards modernity, asserting that it could enhance tourism and business for service sectors. Detractors, however, argue it could detract from the spiritual reverence these days demand, diluting cultural traditions.

 

As Thailand balances religious reverence and economic vitality, the conversation surrounding these changes is expected to continue, reflecting the country's dynamic cultural and economic landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-09

 

 

[treetops]

The article mentions that a list is going to be published of approved locations but no sign of it yet, and the first of the affected days is only just over a day away.

[redwood1]

Hey what about the pointless and  stupid afternoon sales ban?....100% of people what this done away with....

[dinsdale]

So basically nothing. The "exceptions" is basically all of Thailand. What about voting days? This is complete BS spin.

[dinsdale]

28 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

Hey what about the pointless and  stupid afternoon sales ban?....100% of people what this done away with....

You have forgotten the stupid morning sales bans. It's not only 2-5 pm which is all that gets mentioned. Officially there are only 10 hours of alcohol sales in Thailand. Sure it's not the big picture but it is at supermarkets and 711s etc.

[connda]

Still can't have a beer on the beach between 2pm to 5pm.  Freaking stupid rules.  And as people get fed up and figure there are other places to go, it will be...

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!!!

 

And then the weeping..."We don't understand.  Why does Vietnam get so many tourist who used to come to Thailand." 😢

I'll take a shot at that - They can have a beer on the beach between 2pm and 5pm and the entire Thai cultural isn't "SHOCKED, SHOCKED I SAY BY BAD TOURISTS" whom they now want to be kicked out of their country. 

Headline News: "Foreigner Sits On Sacred Wall."
Confused Tourist: "It's just a bunch of bricks."
Thais: "WE'RE SHOCKED!  SHOCKED!!!!  KICK ALL FOREIGNER OUT!!!"

Headline News: "Foreigner Leans Against Sacred Tree."
Confused Tourist: "The tree out in the middle of nowhere has a ribbon around it.  I leaned against to get out of the heat."
Thais: "WE'RE SHOCKED!  SHOCKED!!!! BAD BAD FARANGS.  KICK THEM OUT!"

Headline News: "Foreigner Drinks Beer On Beach At 3PM.  Arrested By Police!"
Confused Tourist: "I was drinking beer in Vietnam on the beach at 3PM last week.  What's this stupid Thai law? I didn't even know there was a law!"
Thais: "WE'RE SHOCKED!  SHOCKED!!!! BAD DRUNK FARANGS DISRESPECT THAI SACRED BEACH WITH AFTERNOON BEER.  GET RID OF THEM!"

[josephbloggs]

1 hour ago, connda said:

Still can't have a beer on the beach between 2pm to 5pm.  Freaking stupid rules.  And as people get fed up and figure there are other places to go, it will be...

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!!!

 

And then the weeping..."We don't understand.  Why does Vietnam get so many tourist who used to come to Thailand." 😢

I'll take a shot at that - They can have a beer on the beach between 2pm and 5pm and the entire Thai cultural isn't "SHOCKED, SHOCKED I SAY BY BAD TOURISTS" whom they now want to be kicked out of their country. 

Headline News: "Foreigner Sits On Sacred Wall."
Confused Tourist: "It's just a bunch of bricks."
Thais: "WE'RE SHOCKED!  SHOCKED!!!!  KICK ALL FOREIGNER OUT!!!"

Headline News: "Foreigner Leans Against Sacred Tree."
Confused Tourist: "The tree out in the middle of nowhere has a ribbon around it.  I leaned against to get out of the heat."
Thais: "WE'RE SHOCKED!  SHOCKED!!!! BAD BAD FARANGS.  KICK THEM OUT!"

Headline News: "Foreigner Drinks Beer On Beach At 3PM.  Arrested By Police!"
Confused Tourist: "I was drinking beer in Vietnam on the beach at 3PM last week.  What's this stupid Thai law? I didn't even know there was a law!"
Thais: "WE'RE SHOCKED!  SHOCKED!!!! BAD DRUNK FARANGS DISRESPECT THAI SACRED BEACH WITH AFTERNOON BEER.  GET RID OF THEM!"

Are you ok?

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, connda said:

Headline News: "Foreigner Sits On Sacred Wall."
Confused Tourist: "It's just a bunch of bricks."
Thais: "WE'RE SHOCKED!  SHOCKED!!!!  KICK ALL FOREIGNER OUT!!!"

I pisd on a temple in Katmandu once. It was really dark, I was bursting and it was a vacant block. The "temple" was a bunch of bricks on the ground. Some local lads saw me. I had to run but fortunately there was a bakery nearby. The owner explained and all was ok. Great bakeries in Katmandu when I was there and I'm sure there still are.

[smedly]

7 hours ago, dinsdale said:

You have forgotten the stupid morning sales bans. It's not only 2-5 pm which is all that gets mentioned. Officially there are only 10 hours of alcohol sales in Thailand. Sure it's not the big picture but it is at supermarkets and 711s etc.

two things Thailand is good at - 1. claiming to be hubs  ( another word for leaders) of everything - 2. shooting themselves in to foot with gross stupidity - the latter definately a leader

[ikke1959]

Abolish the whole law... buying and selling alcohol is not allowed, but night entertainment venues , with their hostesses and coyote dancers are no problem...and why only a few places are exception is not controlable anymore..

[ChipButty]

This just confirms what I believe, There is only one religion and that's "Money" 

[cdemundo]

Meh.

Either way, don't care.

I can go hours without liquor.

[bamnutsak]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

As per the announcement made today in the Royal Gazette

 

Nothing like waiting until the last minute...

 

Tomorrow, 11 May, Sunday, Visakha Bucha

 

would expect some "confusion" tomorrow.

[Smokey and the Bandit]

Well its a start, but....a long way to go!!

[Petemcc64]

A friend who owns a bar on LK Metro was served with the police notice not to open!

[CallumWK]

1 minute ago, Petemcc64 said:

A friend who owns a bar on LK Metro was served with the police notice not to open!

 

Aren't there elections?

[Jake72]

These alcohol bans seem pointless, only the little family run shops seem to benefit.

[thailand49]

All smoke and mirrors!  There has never been a plan and never will!🤑

[hotchilli]

11 hours ago, redwood1 said:

Hey what about the pointless and  stupid afternoon sales ban?....100% of people what this done away with....

I'm 100% in agreement with you...

[lavender19]

What about restaurants? Do they come under service establishments ?

[superal]

Once again we have  an ambiguous law which will lead to local interpretation that allows the police to penalize  . This is how Thailand governs . 

[mikeymike100]

Just now, superal said:

Once again we have  an ambiguous law which will lead to local interpretation that allows the police to penalize  . This is how Thailand governs . 

Quite, it will also allow the cops to make some money on the side!

[KannikaP]

Wouldn't it be more logical (not in Thai language) for the bans to apply to all Buddhists, or others who do not want to drink?

The bans however are not on consumption, but on the sale of alcohol, so a bit of preparation can be benficial.

Or could a bar not 'give' you the booze, and you pay tomorrow.

[klauskunkel]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

more flexibility for specific venues to serve alcohol

in the spirit (intended pun) of transparency:

what's the percentage of these specific venues that are owned or affiliated with government MPs?

[connda]

38 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Wouldn't it be more logical (not in Thai language) for the bans to apply to all Buddhists, or others who do not want to drink?

The bans however are not on consumption, but on the sale of alcohol, so a bit of preparation can be benficial.

Or could a bar not 'give' you the booze, and you pay tomorrow.

That's essentially how it is right now defacto.

[ronster]

Really are dying for tourists to come when doing this after all the years .

Odd it says certain bars and clubs , is that the ones owned by hiso people or those from people with connections in government.

[riverhigh]

1 hour ago, cdemundo said:

Meh.

Either way, don't care.

I can go hours without liquor.

I love these "I'm better than you" comments. Comment nothing to with the validity of the alcohol sales ban more about self-promotion (smile).

[Seagull Sam]

This is the 21st Century and an economy relying heavily on tourism. It cannot be impossible to organise sensible laws that retain cultural norms and still allow your average falang to go to a bar talk to a 'lady' and generally lounge about with a cheap bottle of lager in his hand. Meanwhile out in the sticks 7-11 won't serve you. It's not rocket science.

[shackleton]

No mention of the restaurants convenience stores shopping marts 

Why not just declare alcohol can be sold anywhere 

Instead of looking after the Tourist areas money 💰 🤑 💸 

[chrisbangkok]

9 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Are you ok?

DT'S due to failure to plan ahead with stocks 😀