In order to stimulate tourism, the Thai government relaxed the restrictions on the sale of alcohol during five major Buddhist festivals before this year’s Vesak Day, but the restricted locations are international airports, entertainment venues, hotels, tourist attractions and large international event venues.
Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported on Sunday that there are time restrictions on the sale of alcohol in Thailand. The time for selling alcohol is from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to midnight every day. During Buddhist festivals, alcohol cannot be sold all day.
This restriction has been in place for 53 years. In order to stimulate tourism, relevant businesses have petitioned the government many times, hoping to relax the restrictions. In mid-February this year, Prime Minister Petunthan instructed government agencies to review relevant regulations and study the possible advantages and disadvantages of relaxing the alcohol restriction.
In March, the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee of Thailand recommended relaxing the restrictions on the sale of alcohol during five major Buddhist festivals, but the restricted locations include international airports, entertainment venues, hotels, tourist attractions and large national and international event venues.
The five major Buddhist festivals include Magha Puja, Visakha Pucha, Asalha Puja, the start of Buddhist Lent and the end of Buddhist Lent.
The new policy was announced in a royal notice on the 8th of this month and will take effect on the 10th, which means that alcohol can be sold at these designated locations on Vesak Day, Sunday.
After the policy announcement, Thai Prime Minister’s Office spokesman Zirayu said that this policy is part of the “2025 Amazing Thailand Tourism and Sports Year” campaign and is believed to be helpful to tourism operators.
