Thread: Nationwide Alcohol Sales Ban Set for October 17th as Thailand Marks End of Buddhist

The end of Buddhist Lent, Awk Phansa, will take place on Thursday, October 17th this year, and a nationwide sales ban on alcohol will be enforced for 24 hours.


Under the Alcohol Control Act, this ban applies to all establishments except duty-free shops in international airports. The official prohibition runs from midnight on Wednesday, October 16th, to midnight on Thursday, October 17th.
Violating this law can result in a fine of up to 10,000 baht, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.


The end of Buddhist Lent is one of the five major Buddhist holidays in Thailand, alongside Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha, and Khao Pansa (the start of Buddhist Lent). While many foreigners may only associate this day with the temporary closure of bars and a 24-hour alcohol sales ban, it holds deep significance for the Buddhist community.


Awk Phansa marks the conclusion of the three months of Buddhist Lent, also known as the rains retreat, during which Buddhist monks remain in their temples for meditation, scriptural study, and prayer. It is believed that on this day, the Buddha returned from the second level of heaven, where he spent three months teaching his mother and other celestial beings about the higher doctrine.

Following the end of Lent, monks are again allowed to travel freely after being confined to their temples. The day is observed through various religious rituals, including merit-making, prayers, lectures, and other ceremonies. One of the key practices of Awk Phansa is the Pavarana ceremony, during which monks make resolutions and seek forgiveness for any offenses committed during Lent.


Temples nationwide hold special events, often featuring fairs and colorful parades with candles and lights. Worshippers gather to make merit, offer respect, and participate in religious ceremonies. For the broader public, the day is most notably marked by the nationwide alcohol sales ban.

Nationwide Alcohol Sales Ban Set for October 17th as Thailand Marks End of Buddhist Lent - The Pattaya News

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