Thread: Alcohol Sales Ban on Buddhist Holy Days with Strict Conditions, Effective From May 10

The Royal Gazette has officially announced a decision to partially lift the long-standing ban on alcohol sales during five major Buddhist holy days, a move aimed at boosting Thailand’s tourism industry while respecting religious traditions.

The regulation, published on May 8th, 2025, and effective from May 10th, 2025, allows limited alcohol sales under strict conditions, starting with Visakha Bucha Day on May 11, 2025. This decision follows months of deliberation and public debate, reflecting Thailand’s efforts to balance cultural heritage with economic priorities in its “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign.

The announcement, signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, permits alcohol sales on Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, Buddhist Lent Day, and the End of Buddhist Lent Day at specific venues.

These include international airports, hotels, legally recognized entertainment venues, tourism-related establishments in designated tourist areas, and venues hosting major national or international events. The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, will publish a list of approved locations to ensure compliance.

The five general conditions for alcohol sales on religious holidays are as follows:


Sales are permitted at international airports, such as Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai.


Hotels with proper licensing can sell alcoholic beverages.


Legally registered entertainment venues, such as bars and clubs, are allowed to operate. It is not clear if restaurants will be able to sell and convenience and grocery stores seem not to be included.


Tourism-related establishments in designated tourist zones are included. Lists are still to be provided as stated above.


Venues hosting special national or international events, as approved by the Public Health Minister, may sell alcohol.


The decision stems from a March 4, 2025, meeting of the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangthong. The committee proposed relaxing the ban to support tourism, a critical sector contributing approximately 1.6 trillion baht to Thailand’s GDP in 2024, driven by over 35 million international visitors. The resolution underwent a 15-day public consultation period and received approval from the Ministry of Public Health before being finalized.

Thailand Partially Lifts Alcohol Sales Ban on Buddhist Holy Days with Strict Conditions, Effective From May 10, 2025, Approved Location List To Be Announced - The Pattaya News

This decision follows months of deliberation and public debate

if only they had spent months debating and deliberating about a dozen more pressing issues…

Nana is staying shut apparently.

Cue the obligatory tedious from posters about the alcohol buying connections they have 'cos they know their way around so well.

Got into Makro at 3 minutes before lockdown. It was too far to sprint to the alcohol corner and jump the checkout queue before the portcullis came slamming down, so no wine for the Shus this weekend.

Originally Posted by cyrille

Cue the obligatory tedious from posters about the alcohol buying connections they have 'cos they know their way around so well.

I don't know about that, but the gardener will sort me out!

I have no problem getting booze today, not with my connections

Originally Posted by Mendip

I don't know about that, but the gardener will sort me out!

Still, some alcohol might add a little 'raunch'.

I drank enough last night for the whole weekend and the public holiday.

Originally Posted by Shutree

Got into Makro at 3 minutes before lockdown. It was too far to sprint to the alcohol corner and jump the checkout queue before the portcullis came slamming down, so no wine for the Shus this weekend.

That reeks of poor planning. Do you buy your alcohol in a daily, as needed basis? Or not able to keep alcohol in your house because you’ll drink it all if it’s there?

Originally Posted by malmomike77

I have no problem getting booze today, not with my connections

No problems for me either. Fancy that.

Originally Posted by DrWilly

No problems for me either. Fancy that.

some of these so called long term stayers are real amateurs

Originally Posted by DrWilly

That reeks of poor planning. Do you buy your alcohol in a daily, as needed basis? Or not able to keep alcohol in your house because you’ll drink it all if it’s there?

I think that is: Yes, yes and yes.

In this part of Isan, one day is much like another and these 'special days' don't make it into my diary, so I had no plan. If I want beer, I buy it in the village, they don't have clocks, if they are open they sell beer. One shop still has a sort of honesty system, if she's not open help yourself and pay later. I don't keep a lot of alcohol in the fridge. I have enough for a long weekend, only I fancied a glass of wine after seeing that Mendip was living it large and I have no wine at home. In the face of this calamity I'll need to be flexible.
The cocktail hour is nearly upon us. In fact I might decide it has already arrived. Now the rain has stopped and it is already back to hot and humid, so maybe a gin and tonic or three.

Originally Posted by Shutree

I think that is: Yes, yes and yes.

In this part of Isan, one day is much like another and these 'special days' don't make it into my diary, so I had no plan. If I want beer, I buy it in the village, they don't have clocks, if they are open they sell beer. One shop still has a sort of honesty system, if she's not open help yourself and pay later. I don't keep a lot of alcohol in the fridge. I have enough for a long weekend, only I fancied a glass of wine after seeing that Mendip was living it large and I have no wine at home. In the face of this calamity I'll need to be flexible.
The cocktail hour is nearly upon us. In fact I might decide it has already arrived. Now the rain has stopped and it is already back to hot and humid, so maybe a gin and tonic or three.

As it's always been. One can find their elixir of choice from local shops or home distillers regardless of the make-believe bans.
Business is business.

I was just in a well known local hostelry and there seemed to be numerous people drinking "tea" and "coffee".

^ Why?

Originally Posted by Shutree

I think that is: Yes, yes and yes.

In this part of Isan, one day is much like another and these 'special days' don't make it into my diary, so I had no plan. If I want beer, I buy it in the village, they don't have clocks, if they are open they sell beer. One shop still has a sort of honesty system, if she's not open help yourself and pay later. I don't keep a lot of alcohol in the fridge. I have enough for a long weekend, only I fancied a glass of wine after seeing that Mendip was living it large and I have no wine at home. In the face of this calamity I'll need to be flexible.
The cocktail hour is nearly upon us. In fact I might decide it has already arrived. Now the rain has stopped and it is already back to hot and humid, so maybe a gin and tonic or three.

Apparently, you need " connections" to.make sure these damn buddha days or elections don't get in the way of having some cold beers. Anyone that can't rustle up a beer or 2 simply isn't trying hard enough.

Originally Posted by HuangLao

As it's always been. One can find their elixir of choice from local shops or home distillers regardless of the make-believe bans.
Business is business.

Is there anything similar in the US, the country you have lived in for the last thirty years?

Originally Posted by malmomike77

^ Why?

Well gosh I don't know. Perhaps it's Lent or something.