Nationwide Alcohol Ban For Makabucha Day: Thailand

[rayw]

So silly and what a waste of police tiem with so much real crime still to solve. Prohibition NEVER works hasn't history shown us that. If your religion says you should not drink and it is important to you then simply do not drink but why involve others who do nto follow you faith in such rulings. Hardly freedom or logical or sensible/ Oh well I suppose TIT.

Or perhaps you could try observance out of respect. After all, it's not your country. No doubt you would be pissed off with foreigners in your own country carrying on as though your own sacred days meant nothing. Just a suggestion.

Fair point but I must point out that yes I actually personally do respect everyones' own religion in ANY country, but not anywhere where it is forced on others who do not follow such faiths and that includes the few non Buddhist Thais (yes there are some) and many other Thais who do not blindly follow the Buddhist faith, as quite obviously by their actions many do not.. So simple to see in any country anywhere in the World. If you have a faith then by all means personally follow that faith as you want and see fit BUT respect OTHERS who do not want or need such a faith, whatever that happens to be. I respect all folks personal beliefs and religions but in turn I expect and surely deserve respect for my lack of faith or religion too, is that too hard to comprehend?. Respect works two ways you know.

Sure it is not my country, but the same principal applies in my home country too as it should do everywhere. Of course I follow and observe the Thai rules and customs as we all should politely do as guests here, BUT that surely does not mean we have to blindly agree with such rules or that we do not have a right to justify and say that we feel it is not a sensible, necessary, or even a fair way, to carry on for both Thais and their guests!!! But quite rightly we should not offend out hosts I agree, but in reality this should not offend anyone either to respect EVERYONE elses faith or lack of, as long as we all support the priniciple of tolerance and live and let live.

Personally it makes no difference to me as I don't drink at bars that often and usually have my drinks at home many times with friends or indeed at those friend's homes too. Just sitll think the whole prohibition thing is silly , illogical and proven in hidtory to be unworkable, impractical and pointless. More importantly it ties up with such petty issues much police time that surely here is desperately needed to fight mauch unsolved real crime. I actually think the majority of folk, and that includes Thais too, would agree with me and many others on this issue.

Same applies on the really stupid ban on sales between 2pm and 5pm every day, Totally pointless non relevant law and just causes a lot of wasted effort and incovenience to everyone. What is the point in such a silly law ?? Can someone tell me what it really truly achieves as I am buggered if I can see an answer to that question ??.

Actually I have no truck in my own country when foreigners sensibly pick up many stupid British laws too, many based on the religious beliefs of what is in the UK a minority of folk too. It is often good for someone on the outside to pick up on things we sometimes do not always see ourselves on the inside at home, usually from blinkered vision. Open mindedness, tolerance and free discussion is what IS needed these days in this crazy often misguided World.

Edited March 6, 2012 by rayw

[cardholder]

I wonder if any expats here would be amused by derogatory comments about Jesus Christ's somewhat obscure parentage ... or perhaps his dalliances with Ms Magdalene ...?

Careful not to upset the bible-bashers! They don't believe in freedom of speech or opinion either.

Somewhat off topic' date=' but remind me, who turned water into wine ?

[/quote']

That feat was obviously NOT achieved on a Buddha day

[MEL1]

Already just been to my 'estate' local corner shop, for my 4 beers for tonight.

My Q: "Prungnee mee alcohol mai, mee Ardcha si guat mai na - prungnee chow?"

Shop answer: "Chai, mai mee pan ha! - tuk wayla" 555+

Seems the ban will be enforced dramatically!

-mel.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Normally these announcements have a clear period between which hours no alcohol sale is allowed. Mostly 6PM one day till mid-night next. Now no indication. Does theNation assume it's readers know all, or is it just a short oversight?

The Nation article above did include that info in one sentence:

The ban will start at midnight tonight and will last until the midnight hour of Wednesday.

[ginjag]

pop down to ya local police station and have a drink with them, you buy of course, few would be turned away.

[rubl]

Normally these announcements have a clear period between which hours no alcohol sale is allowed. Mostly 6PM one day till mid-night next. Now no indication. Does theNation assume it's readers know all, or is it just a short oversight?

The Nation article above did include that info in one sentence:

The ban will start at midnight tonight and will last until the midnight hour of Wednesday.

Short oversight, I need new glasses

[almavro]

One of the (many!) advantages to living outside the Mango is the total irrelevance of these holier-than-thou prescriptions from what Bangkok perceives as On High -- i.e., itself. The rest of the country could give two hoots how Bangkokians want to live, and have no desire to emulate them.

So, tomorrow, I will not be able to buy alcohol at 7-Eleven; Lotus; or Makro. But every other outlet, and all drinking establishments (we have no hotels in my village) will be openly selling -- no teacups needed, thank you.

Happy Makha Bucha, from Isan!

[arthurwait]

Thursday mornings headline : 20 million alcoholics arrested.

[tingtongfarang]

Wonder if deputy priminister chalerm has stocked up for tomorrow

Edited March 6, 2012 by tingtongfarang

[arthurwait]

Already just been to my 'estate' local corner shop, for my 4 beers for tonight.

My Q: "Prungnee mee alcohol mai, mee Ardcha si guat mai na - prungnee chow?"

Shop answer: "Chai, mai mee pan ha! - tuk wayla" 555+

Seems the ban will be enforced dramatically!

-mel.

Archa, have you no taste buds ?

[chrisinth]

Only 16 Cans

LIGHTWEIGHT

Well thats breakfast taken care of!

[chrisinth]

"1097 user(s) are reading this topic"

It seems that we are worried when we see the words alcohol and ban in 1 sentence:)

We are worried just by the word "ban", especially in connection with religion. Smells ... Taliban-ish

Talis have been baned here for quite some time

[prakhonchai nick]

Why is the Public Health Ministry overseeing this matter?

[sjjmmi]

Wonder if deputy priminister chalerm has stocked up for tomorrow

Ha Ha Ha LOL

Edited March 6, 2012 by sjjmmi

[MEL1]

Already just been to my 'estate' local corner shop, for my 4 beers for tonight.

My Q: "Prungnee mee alcohol mai, mee Ardcha si guat mai na - prungnee chow?"

Shop answer: "Chai, mai mee pan ha! - tuk wayla" 555+

Seems the ban will be enforced dramatically!

-mel.

Archa, have you no taste buds ?

Ardcha, pronounced differently, is my PWD for are you selling my Singha or Chang export. The locals drink Archa, and listen, but she gets in and keeps in the back for me my requirements, as the locals can't afford mine. Sorry for the delusion! I may just be enjoying a few cool Guiness cans tomorrow.

-mel.

[QED]

Already just been to my 'estate' local corner shop, for my 4 beers for tonight.

My Q: "Prungnee mee alcohol mai, mee Ardcha si guat mai na - prungnee chow?"

Shop answer: "Chai, mai mee pan ha! - tuk wayla" 555+

Seems the ban will be enforced dramatically!

-mel.

Maybe because it is tomorrow? You could use your alcohol free day to try and improve your Thinglish?

[connda]

I don't worry anymore -- don't drink. And for everybody else -- most of the bars on Kaow San or your local bar if they pay Tea Money. But why not just take the day off, sip a Coke, and enjoy a day of sobriety.

[bendebeer]

So what,I don t drink and don t smoke either

[Newguy70]

So silly and what a waste of police tiem with so much real crime still to solve. Prohibition NEVER works hasn't history shown us that. If your religion says you should not drink and it is important to you then simply do not drink but why involve others who do nto follow you faith in such rulings. Hardly freedom or logical or sensible/ Oh well I suppose TIT.

Or perhaps you could try observance out of respect. After all, it's not your country. No doubt you would be pissed off with foreigners in your own country carrying on as though your own sacred days meant nothing. Just a suggestion.

+1

Really most of you need to get a life if you cannot spend a day without drinking, or if your life resolves around drinking. Ohhh wait, what do we call that back in the states. That's right, an alcoholic .

Enjoy your stay!

Edited March 6, 2012 by Newguy70

[yummypizza]

The law is the law and we have to abide, hate looking over my shoulder all the time....

[starkey_rich]

So silly and what a waste of police tiem with so much real crime still to solve. Prohibition NEVER works hasn't history shown us that. If your religion says you should not drink and it is important to you then simply do not drink but why involve others who do nto follow you faith in such rulings. Hardly freedom or logical or sensible/ Oh well I suppose TIT.

Or perhaps you could try observance out of respect. After all, it's not your country. No doubt you would be pissed off with foreigners in your own country carrying on as though your own sacred days meant nothing. Just a suggestion.

+1

Really most of you need to get a life if you cannot spend a day without drinking, or if your life resolves around drinking. Ohhh wait, what do we call that back in the states. That's right, an alcoholic .

Enjoy your stay!

It's nothing to do with do with spending a day without a drink, it's to do with being dictated to what you can do and can not.Thailand is a major tourist destination so T.A T say. So why treat the tourist like children just because you are like sheep in the STATES we are are not all like that

[retiringinthailand]

Was in Fuji Phuket the other day and aparently the can't buy alcohol with your meal after 2pm and before 5 had been scrapped. Maybe not because in Bangkok you still cannot. It's a miracle if you ever know what is happening from day to day.

I remember last Easter at the Chokchai Steakhouse at Pak Chong they wouldn't sell wine with a mean after 1400 (2pm). Drove me mad and I'll never go there again.

Anybody else know about the 1400 no alcohol rule?

[tomallison]

The law is the law and we have to abide, hate looking over my shoulder all the time....

No need to do that whilst sitting on my balcony. Cheers.

[cardholder]

Was in Fuji Phuket the other day and aparently the can't buy alcohol with your meal after 2pm and before 5 had been scrapped. Maybe not because in Bangkok you still cannot. It's a miracle if you ever know what is happening from day to day.

I remember last Easter at the Chokchai Steakhouse at Pak Chong they wouldn't sell wine with a mean after 1400 (2pm). Drove me mad and I'll never go there again.

Anybody else know about the 1400 no alcohol rule?

Still applies in 7/11, Big C and Makro (unless, of course, you buy TEN litres - have never quite worked that one out).

[Slaps]

Don't know what all the fuss is about

I drink twice a year!

when it's my Birthday n when it isn't

/

[Slaps]

Was in Fuji Phuket the other day and aparently the can't buy alcohol with your meal after 2pm and before 5 had been scrapped. Maybe not because in Bangkok you still cannot. It's a miracle if you ever know what is happening from day to day.

I remember last Easter at the Chokchai Steakhouse at Pak Chong they wouldn't sell wine with a mean after 1400 (2pm). Drove me mad and I'll never go there again.

Anybody else know about the 1400 no alcohol rule?

Still applies in 7/11, Big C and Makro (unless, of course, you buy TEN litres - have never quite worked that one out).

Done that a few times when I only wanted two

.

[cardholder]

So silly and what a waste of police tiem with so much real crime still to solve. Prohibition NEVER works hasn't history shown us that. If your religion says you should not drink and it is important to you then simply do not drink but why involve others who do nto follow you faith in such rulings. Hardly freedom or logical or sensible/ Oh well I suppose TIT.

Or perhaps you could try observance out of respect. After all, it's not your country. No doubt you would be pissed off with foreigners in your own country carrying on as though your own sacred days meant nothing. Just a suggestion.

+1

Really most of you need to get a life if you cannot spend a day without drinking, or if your life resolves around drinking. Ohhh wait, what do we call that back in the states. That's right, an alcoholic .

Enjoy your stay!

It's nothing to do with do with spending a day without a drink, it's to do with being dictated to what you can do and can not.Thailand is a major tourist destination so T.A T say. So why treat the tourist like children just because you are like sheep in the STATES we are are not all like that

I agree - at least with the first part of the post. It is quite right that Buddhists keep faith with their traditions and if Makha Bucha Day is a non-drinking day then all Buddhists should abstain. Anyone who feels that it is appropriate to support their partners/friends by also abstaining - again OK. However, I am not a Buddhist, and indeed have no religious leanings, so (in a free-thinking world) why should I be denied the opportunity to have a glass of wine at my favourite restaurant.

There is also a question of whether buying, selling or actually drinking is prohibited under the rules of Buddism. I still can't enjoy my glass of wine if my favourite restaurant is Buddhist owned if selling is prohibited.

This is not about needing a drink and this not about not showing respect to Buddhists or Thailand. It is about the reasonable freedom of choice.which is unnecessarily lost when the law enforcers badly interpret or inconsistently apply religious ideologies.

[Nisa]

So silly and what a waste of police tiem with so much real crime still to solve. Prohibition NEVER works hasn't history shown us that. If your religion says you should not drink and it is important to you then simply do not drink but why involve others who do nto follow you faith in such rulings. Hardly freedom or logical or sensible/ Oh well I suppose TIT.

Or perhaps you could try observance out of respect. After all, it's not your country. No doubt you would be pissed off with foreigners in your own country carrying on as though your own sacred days meant nothing. Just a suggestion.

+1

Really most of you need to get a life if you cannot spend a day without drinking, or if your life resolves around drinking. Ohhh wait, what do we call that back in the states. That's right, an alcoholic .

Enjoy your stay!

It's nothing to do with do with spending a day without a drink, it's to do with being dictated to what you can do and can not.Thailand is a major tourist destination so T.A T say. So why treat the tourist like children just because you are like sheep in the STATES we are are not all like that

The law has nothing to do with tourists. Thailand, its culture and prominent religion doesn't revolve around tourists. If you have no problem with not drinking for a day then why get worked up over this? You need to obey speed limits too regardless of how skilled a driver you are or how remote and safe the road is. Take a lesson from the culture here and don't get worked up over things that don't even effect you or that you cannot control. If you're an alcoholic that for some reason is only able to drink in the bars or is only able to go out on Wednesday then by all means, share your gripe. But to act as though this is the first time in your life you have experienced laws or restrictions on when, where, how much, what type and by whom alcohol can be bought or sold (in just about any country) is to get yourself worked up over nothing.

[george]

Phuket alcohol ban for Makha Bucha Day

PHUKET: -- Phuket Police have confirmed that a 24-hour ban on selling alcohol will come into effect from midnight tonight in respect of tomorrow being the Buddhist holiday Makha Bucha Day.

Lt Col Pisit Chuenpetch, Deputy Superintendent of Phuket City Police Station, confirmed to the Phuket Gazette this afternoon that the ban will be enforced across Phuket.

“This a nationwide ban in respect for tomorrow being a Buddhist holiday,” he said.

The ban will end at midnight on Wednesday.

However, Lt Col Pisit declined to clearly indicate whether or not hotels are to abstain from selling alcohol.

Patong Police chief Arayapan Pukbuakao warned that any nightlife venues, restaurants and even convenience stores such as 7-Elevens caught selling alcohol during the ban will be fined.

“Police officers will patrol the streets of Patong to enforce the ban,” Col Arayapan said.

“Offenders will face a fine ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 baht, depending on the severity of the transgression,” he added.

-- Phuket Gazette 2012-03-06

[cardholder]

The law has nothing to do with tourists. Thailand, its culture and prominent religion doesn't revolve around tourists. If you have no problem with not drinking for a day then why get worked up over this? You need to obey speed limits too regardless of how skilled a driver you are or how remote and safe the road is. Take a lesson from the culture here and don't get worked up over things that don't even effect you or that you cannot control. If you're an alcoholic that for some reason is only able to drink in the bars or is only able to go out on Wednesday then by all means, share your gripe. But to act as though this is the first time in your life you have experienced laws or restrictions on when, where, how much, what type and by whom alcohol can be bought or sold (in just about any country) is to get yourself worked up over nothing.

So, if I am a Thai Christian I must still be denied the opportunity to enjoy a drink if I want one ?

NO ! I can sit at home drinking, this is about a knee-jerk, half-arsed attempt by the law enforcement authorities to apply a rule to cover (what they deem to be) respect to a Buddhist day..

Note that this a ban on SELLING alcohol. If you have alcohol you can drink it freely - apparently (according to the police notice) without disrespect to the Lord Buddha. Oh - but we are not sure about hotels !

As an aside, it was good of them to give clear and concise advance notice - how long has this full moon been in the offing ??