The proposal, if passed, would allow alcohol to be sold during Buddhist holidays, at tourist venues. This may be good news to many, but I would be among those not in favor of it. My belief is if you are in their country, then the onus should be on you to respect their religious customs and ways of doing things. I don't like the idea of interfering with that for the sake of making a bit more money. You might disagree, but to me that would be nothing but sheer greed.
Most alcohol bans are one day only, and even then often bars are allowed to open, but sell only non-alcoholic drinks. My feeling is if you can't handle being without liquor for one day, you've got something very wrong with you. And you could always buy your liquor in advance and drink in your hotel room. The restrictions forbid selling alcohol on those days, but doesn't restrict drinking it if you have it.
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Thailand proposes limited alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays
Government committee says ban could be lifted at venues specifically catering to tourists
March 4, 2025
Thailand is proposing to allow limited sales of alcohol on Buddhist holidays to cater to tourists, the latest step in a campaign to attract more overseas visitors.
The government’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee on Tuesday recommended sales on five major Buddhist holidays at a handful of venues: international airports, nightlife establishments, hotels, tourist venues and sites of national events.
The change could take effect as soon as Visaka Bucha day on May 11, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who chairs the committee, told reporters.
Thailand is already one of Asia’s top tourist destinations, thanks to its famed beaches, lively nightlife and status as the only country in Asia that has decriminalised cannabis. But tourists seeking respite from the tropical heat with a cold drink are often surprised to find bars shuttered on religious holidays.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last month ordered a review of the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages from 2pm to 5pm following calls by business groups for eased regulations to support tourism. She also asked authorities to review how the ban on sales on Buddhist holidays affected tourism.
The proposal approved by the committee on Tuesday is subject to public hearings for 15 days, after which it would then go to the minister of public health for certification — and on to the prime minister for approval.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... t-holidays
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Thailand Eases Alcohol Ban on Buddhist Holidays in Select Locations
by Kittisak Phalaharn
March 4, 2025
Thailand, March 4th, 2025 — Digital Economy Minister Prasert Chantraruangthong, chair of the National Alcohol Policy Committee, announced proposed amendments to Thailand’s alcohol laws, aligning them with the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign.
While the ban on alcohol sales during five major Buddhist holidays remains—Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, Buddhist Lent, and End of Buddhist Lent—exceptions will apply to international airport terminals, licensed entertainment venues, hotels, and designated tourist areas approved by the Public Health Ministry.
The committee is also studying electronic alcohol sales regulations to assess feasibility and impact. The existing sales restrictions remain in place due to legal constraints under Revolutionary Decree No. 253.
A 15-day public consultation will be held online before the final proposal is submitted for approval, with the goal of implementing the changes before Visakha Bucha Day on May 11th, 2025, remarked Minister Prasert.
TPN media notes this is only a proposal and it is still unclear where exactly the exceptions will apply.
https://thepattayanews.com/2025/03/04/t ... locations/
Alcohol ban during Buddhist holidays might be lifted in May
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Gaybutton
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Re: Alcohol ban during Buddhist holidays might be lifted in May
1 I broadly agree with the principle of respecting the customs of a country that I visit. I would also respect the rights of Thais to elect a democratic government to pass such legislation, but apparently the constitutuon does not.Gaybutton wrote: ↑Wed Mar 05, 2025 6:11 am The proposal, if passed, would allow alcohol to be sold during Buddhist holidays, at tourist venues. This may be good news to many, but I would be among those not in favor of it. My belief is if you are in their country, then the onus should be on you to respect their religious customs and ways of doing things. I don't like the idea of interfering with that for the sake of making a bit more money.
2 I wonder how popular religion is these days. In January, I visited several wats in Nakon Ratchasima and other towns. Typically, the only person in sight would be one monk.
If the place was close to the town centre, the car park would be full, but with shoppers who paid to park in order to visit the market.
Even in Pattaya, some of the wats seem to do parking, funerals and occasionally hosting a market.
3 I don't actually mind if they close bars or not. Like many here, I don't drink every day.
Once upon a time, it might have been an inconvenience to arrive in Bangkok and find the gogo bars were closed on the first day of my trip. Now I don't need gogo bars.