Tourist Shops Warned: No Alcohol Sales on Buddhist Holidays Until New Law Passes
BANGKOK — The Stop Drink Network has issued a clear warning to pubs, bars, and restaurants in tourist zones: do not sell alcohol on Buddhist holidays until new legislation officially defines permitted areas.
The advisory follows the enforcement of a Prime Minister’s Office announcement, effective Saturday, May 10, which aims to ease restrictions — but only after further laws are passed.
Key Points:
- Current Status: Alcohol still banned on five Buddhist holidays except in pre-approved locations.
- Legal Risk: Selling alcohol in violation of the ban can result in up to six months in prison, a 10,000 baht fine, or both.
- Approved Zones (so far):
- 15 international airports
- 2,000 registered entertainment venues
- Around 15,000 licensed hotels
Holidays Affected:
- Makha Bucha Day
- Visakha Bucha Day
- Asalha Bucha Day
- Buddhist Lent Day (Khao Phansa)
- End of Buddhist Lent Day (Ok Phansa)
Chuwit Chantharos, a coordinator with the Stop Drink Network, explained that the government intends to allow limited alcohol sales on these religious holidays in designated tourist zones, but the legal framework is not yet in place to support that shift.
In Summary:
Until the government enacts specific laws identifying eligible tourist zones, all other establishments must continue to observe the traditional alcohol sales ban on these five holidays.
