Buddhist Lent day declared National No Drinking Day

[Lite Beer]

Buddhist Lent day declared National No Drinking Day

BANGKOK: -- The government has declared this year’s Buddhist Lent day which falls on July 31 as the “National No Drinking Day”.

Addressing the public in his weekly “Returning Happiness to the People” programme, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha urged all Thais who are Buddhists to observe the teachings of the Lord Buddha and to practice the five precepts during the long weekend next week which include Asalha Puja and Buddhist Let days.

He said that it was not necessary for non-Buddhists to also observe the five precepts as guidance in the pursuit of their daily life.

For those who plan to travel upcountry during the long weekend next week, the prime minister advised them to stay tuned to traffic reports, to drive carefully and to avoid drinking for their own safety.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/buddhist-lent-day-declared-national-no-drinking-day

-- Thai PBS 2015-07-25

[clockman]

Like telling them not to eat Som Tam!

[DavisH]

If it is not necessary for non-buddhists to observe the no drinking day, why can't we buy a beer at a restaurant on this day?

[Seastallion]

Thanks for the heads-up. Stock up on Thursday.

[Charlie Croker]

As a free thinking individual, I think this massively infringes on our rights.

As someone who recently gave up drinking, I don't really give a damn.

[alant]

Thanks for the heads-up. Stock up on Thursday.

I think you may find that is a no drinking big Buddha day as well...

[alant]

Interesting that of the 5 precepts, the no alcohol interpretation seems to be the one hammered home...

[bamnutsak]

On the plus side, no elections so far fewer full-weekend, consecutive alcohol sale bans.

[oneday]

Why is this a story. Isn't this a no drinking day every single year?

[ctrunfree]

Is it only Friday 31 that we can't buy a drink, or the whole weekend?

[bamnutsak]

Is it only Friday 31 that we can't buy a drink, or the whole weekend?

Both Thursday and Friday.

Two holidays, one full moon. Abstaining from bad things: alcohol, gambling, messing about (other than with your official wives) for Lent is a goal.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782233-public-holidays-2015/

30 July (Thursday) Asalha Bucha

31 July (Friday) Wan Khao Phansa (Beginning of Buddhist Lent)

[ratcatcher]

As a free thinking individual, I think this massively infringes on our rights.

As someone who recently gave up drinking, I don't really give a damn.

As a free thinking farang in Thailand, you basically have no "rights". except to remain silent.

Fortunately for you, you have given up the drink, others on here, as usual, go

into panic mode at the sheer thought of being unable to buy their tipple on a Buddhist holiday. Prior planning, blah de blah.

[SOTIRIOS]

....it is necessary for Buddhists to observe the 5 precepts....

....I have yet to see ANY doing so......

[prakhonchai nick]

....it is necessary for Buddhists to observe the 5 precepts....

....I have yet to see ANY doing so......

A long weekend is an ideal time to take the mia noi for a few days away!

[JeffreyO]

I don't drink much as it is but it seems this government is constantly trying to find ways to reduce the amount of drinking in the country. It almost seems as if they're, oh you know, forcing their thoughts on alcohol upon everyone else. I suppose that's par for the course here though.

[Sarathi]

Alcohol is a big problem. A day off drinking, with a national holiday is not a bad idea.

But it shouldn't be a 'religious' issue. The Buddha never ordered people to do anything. He made suggestions, and rules for those wanting to join him in the monkhood. But he never gave commandments.

Curiously, it seems in early Buddhism there were only 4 precepts, not 5. The precept that was missing was the drink/drugs precept - that seems to have been added in later (probably within the Buddha's lifetime)

[jaywalker]

I wish they'd declare a "No driving on the wrong side of the road day".

[Billy Bloggs]

3 pack today 3 pack tomorrow 3 pack monday that will see me through

[Brit_Doggie]

The end of the world has cometh but i'll drink to that.

[bamnutsak]

Alcohol is a big problem. A day off drinking, with a national holiday is not a bad idea.

The sale of alcohol is prohibited, not the consumption. The PM is simply "urging" people to abstain.

A four-day week-end? Party on.

If alcohol is a big problem (and it no doubt is here) then maybe it's time to address the issue with a comprehensive set of health, tax, labeling, sponsorship and education initiatives, rather than dropping a one-off in your weekly "Sermons"?

Net. net - better to keep the masses uneducated, liquored up, indebted and down on the farm. What's good for ThaiBev is good for Thailand.

[Kasset Tak]

The 5 precepts that a Buddhist layman should follow...

1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from the destruction of life.

2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from taking that which is not given.

3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct.

4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from falsehood.

5. Suramerayamajjapamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from intoxicants that cloud the mind and cause carelessness.

[halloween]

I had a g/f tell me no sex because it was Lent. I told her to get it back quick smart of she was out the door.

[NoshowJones]

Alcohol is a big problem. A day off drinking, with a national holiday is not a bad idea.

But it shouldn't be a 'religious' issue. The Buddha never ordered people to do anything. He made suggestions, and rules for those wanting to join him in the monkhood. But he never gave commandments.

Curiously, it seems in early Buddhism there were only 4 precepts, not 5. The precept that was missing was the drink/drugs precept - that seems to have been added in later (probably within the Buddha's lifetime)

If someone cannot take one day off from alcohol in a week, then they have a problem.

[Deli]

I don"t care about the booz, but where can I find the Bar Girls on 31st ? Som Tam booth ?

[MadDog2020]

Make sure you have your fill of water. "No Drink Day" sounds serious:-)

[Sutty]

As a Farang living in a host country unlike other Farangs living in other host countries ie UK I will glady abide by my host countries laws and religious holidays. If you realy cant go a couple of days without booze im sure there are AA meetings somewhere in Thailand

[northernphil]

The 5 precepts that a Buddhist layman should follow...

1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from the destruction of life.

2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from taking that which is not given.

3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct.

4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from falsehood.

5. Suramerayamajjapamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from intoxicants that cloud the mind and cause carelessness.

Those 5 precepts will mean Pattaya will be closed on all counts that day then ?

[LannaGuy]

Returning Happiness to the People 101

you CANT DRINK! there that did it...

[LannaGuy]

The 5 precepts that a Buddhist layman should follow...

1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from the destruction of life.

2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from taking that which is not given.

3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct.

4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from falsehood.

5. Suramerayamajjapamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from intoxicants that cloud the mind and cause carelessness.

oh yea? 100% Thais I know break the first one as they are not vegetarian and kill 'by proxy' when they eat meat etc. (except on 'special' days lol). They justify this as "I did not do it personally" lol what hypocrites!

as for the others.... same, same

[diehard60]

If it is not necessary for non-buddhists to observe the no drinking day, why can't we buy a beer at a restaurant on this day?

You are in Thailand so shouldn't you follow Thai customs and rules???????????????????????? Or do you think you are so special that you can do what ever you like??