Thailand no alcohol days 2025

[Gaybutton]

These are the days announced so far. If there will be more, the dates will be posted. We also can never be certain whether the bars will be ordered closed or will be allowed to open, but serve only non-alcoholic drinks. Again, if we get further information, it will be posted. Any changes, additions, or corrections will be posted if and when we know about them.
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Wednesday, Feb 12, Makha Bucha Day
This Buddhist holiday marks an event when 1,250 enlightened monks, all ordained by the Buddha, gathered to meet him on the night of the full moon during the third lunar month. It’s hump day and a day off of work, but you’ll have to enjoy it without alcohol.

Monday, May 12, Visakha Bucha Day
This Buddhist holiday is officially May 11th, but as that is a Sunday, the day off work will be on the 12th. It celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. It is a no-alcohol sale day.

Thursday, Jul 10, Asalha Bucha
A Buddhist holiday marking Buddha's first sermon, with alcohol restrictions. Drinking restrictions are common for this day and are nationwide.
-AND-
Friday, Jul 11, Buddhist Lent
This marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist Lent, another day to expect alcohol sales restrictions, and restrictions may be extended.

Tuesday, Oct 7, Awk Phansa
While not officially announced, the end of Buddhist lent is traditionally a dry day.

[Gaybutton]

Thailand Updates Alcohol Ban For Key Buddhist Holidays But Not Much Changes, Dates For 2025 Bar Closures Here

By Kittisak Phalaharn

26 December, 2024

On December 25th, 2024, the Royal Gazette published an announcement from the Office of the Prime Minister on the revised prohibition of alcohol sales for 2024 and forward. The update aims to reflect current circumstances.

Under the authority of Sections 4 and 28 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act 2008, the Prime Minister, following advice from the National Alcohol Policy Committee, issued the following directives:

1. The new regulations take effect immediately after publication in the Royal Gazette.

2. The previous prohibition announcement, dated February 5th, 2015, is repealed.

3. Alcohol sales are banned on Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, Buddhist Lent Day, and the End of Buddhist Lent Day, except within designated international airport terminals.

TPN media notes that this is basically more of an administrative change as during the period of rule of Prayut Chan’O Cha and the military junta the end of Buddhist lent was added as an additional alcohol ban day, but was done under regulatory measures. With the Royal Gazette updating these dates, they become official.

The tentative but likely certain dates for alcohol sale bans in 2025, which also means all bars and entertainment venues will close, are:

Wednesday, February 12th-Makha Bucha

Sunday, May 11th-Visakha Bucha Day. Public Holiday, but no alcohol ban, Monday May 12th.

July 10th and 11th, Thursday and Friday, Asalha Bucha and Start of Buddhist Lent

Tuesday, October 7th-End of Buddhist Lent.

Alcohol sale bans also take place on election days by Thai law. There are no national elections set for 2025, however, there will be multiple provincial and regional elections which lead to alcohol bans for those voting areas. Any directly affecting our main market areas will be posted in advance closer to election days.

https://thepattayanews.com/2024/12/26/t ... ures-here/

[Gaybutton]

Don't forget - if you just must have alcohol on those days, there is nothing illegal about buying if beforehand and keeping it in your hotel room. But I wouldn't let myself get tipsy in public or drink in public on those days.
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Important: Bar Closure and Alcohol Sales Ban Days in Thailand in 2025 and What to Expect

By Aim Tanakorn

13 January, 2025

In 2025, several alcohol-free days are scheduled in Thailand. On these days, most bars and entertainment venues will be closed to observe religious or local events. Additionally, sales of alcohol, even at restaurants or convenience stores, are forbidden these days.

Here are the dates to note if you are visiting Thailand in 2025:

Chonburi local elections (for people in Chonburi Pattaya): Likely from January 31st at 5 PM to February 1st at 5 PM. This is not yet final as of press time but is nearly certain. In Thailand, by law, election days prohibit alcohol sales for a 24 hour period the night before the election and during voting hours, regardless if one is eligible to vote or not. There may be local elections in other parts of Thailand throughout the year but this is the main election to be concerned about for Pattaya, focused on provincial positions. The Pattaya Mayor position is NOT up for election this year.

Religious Holidays
* Makha Bucha Day: Wednesday, February 12th.
* Visakha Bucha Day: Sunday, May 11th. A government holiday will be scheduled for Monday, May 12th, but that will not see bar closures.
* Asalha Bucha Day: Thursday, July 10th.
* Buddhist Lent Day: Friday, July 11th.
* End of Buddhist Lent Day: Tuesday, October 7th.

These days are observed to honor Buddhist traditions or support local elections. Plan your activities accordingly during these dates! It’s worth noting that some sports bars or restaurant/bar hybrids may be open but are legally not allowed to sell alcohol on the religious holidays. Generally speaking the closure times are 24 hours in total, from midnight to midnight, but may occasionally differ slightly based on local authorities.

https://thepattayanews.com/2025/01/13/i ... to-expect/

[Jun]

Chonburi local elections (for people in Chonburi Pattaya): Likely from January 31st at 5 PM to February 1st at 5 PM.

The Supertown FB Site has this from 18:00 to 18:00.

Is there any evidence that banning sales of alcohol helps the election of competent high quality officials?