A former Move Forward MP has taken to Facebook to criticise Thailand’s ban on the sale of alcohol on Buddhist holidays. Amornrat Chokpamitkul says the ban is outdated and has a negative impact on tourists.
She also points out that Thailand is not only made up of Buddhists and that there are plenty of other measures in place to control alcohol consumption.
There was another day of no alcohol sales last Saturday, June 3, to mark the Buddhist holiday of Visakha Bucha Day. The ban applies to retail and wholesale and businesses found violating the law risk 6 months’ imprisonment and/or a 10,000 baht fine.
According to the Phuket Express report, an exception for tourists in hotels was done away with by the outgoing government of Prayut Chan-o-cha.
While the practice of banning the sale of alcohol on religious holidays (and at other times, such as elections), has been around for nearly 50 years, Thailand has changed a lot in that time.
In particular, there has been huge growth in international tourism and millions of foreign tourists visiting each year – many of whom are no doubt taken aback, confused, and frustrated when caught out by one of Thailand’s “no alcohol” days.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express | Bangkok Post
