(Thailand, 11th) May 11 is Visakha Bucha Day, a Buddhist festival in Thailand. To stimulate tourism, the Thai government has, just before this year's Visakha Bucha Day, approved easing the restrictions on alcohol sales during five major Buddhist festivals. However, sales are limited to locations like international airports, entertainment venues, hotels, tourist attractions, and major international event sites.
In Thailand, there are time restrictions on alcohol sales. Alcohol can be sold from 11 AM to 2 PM and from 5 PM to midnight. During Buddhist festivals, however, alcohol sales are prohibited all day.
This restriction has been in place for 53 years. To stimulate tourism, concerned parties have repeatedly petitioned the government to relax these restrictions. In mid-February, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha tasked government agencies with reassessing the current regulations, studying the potential pros and cons of relaxing the alcohol sale restrictions.
The National Alcohol Policy Committee recommended in March to ease restrictions during five major Buddhist festivals, limiting sales to locations such as international airports, entertainment venues, hotels, tourist attractions, and major national and international event sites.
The five major Buddhist festivals include Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, Vassa, and Kathina.
The new policy was published in a royal announcement on the 8th and took effect on the 10th. This means that on the 11th, alcohol can be sold at these designated locations during Visakha Bucha Day. Thai Government House spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul remarked after the policy announcement that this policy is part of the "Amazing Thailand Tourism and Sports Year 2025" initiative and is believed to benefit tourism industry operators.
In Thailand, there are time restrictions on alcohol sales. Alcohol can be sold from 11 AM to 2 PM and from 5 PM to midnight. During Buddhist festivals, however, alcohol sales are prohibited all day.
This restriction has been in place for 53 years. To stimulate tourism, concerned parties have repeatedly petitioned the government to relax these restrictions. In mid-February, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha tasked government agencies with reassessing the current regulations, studying the potential pros and cons of relaxing the alcohol sale restrictions.
The National Alcohol Policy Committee recommended in March to ease restrictions during five major Buddhist festivals, limiting sales to locations such as international airports, entertainment venues, hotels, tourist attractions, and major national and international event sites.
The five major Buddhist festivals include Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, Vassa, and Kathina.
The new policy was published in a royal announcement on the 8th and took effect on the 10th. This means that on the 11th, alcohol can be sold at these designated locations during Visakha Bucha Day. Thai Government House spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul remarked after the policy announcement that this policy is part of the "Amazing Thailand Tourism and Sports Year 2025" initiative and is believed to benefit tourism industry operators.