Coronation Day holiday and early voting brings booze ban in Thailand

A four-day weekend is set to begin for much of Thailand due to the Coronation Day holiday and early voting taking place for Thai elections, and with it comes a booze ban.

The weekend also brings a 24 hour booze ban, which will be effective from 6pm on Saturday, May 6, to 6pm on Sunday, May 7, as mandated by Thai election laws.

This booze ban will also be in effect next weekend during the actual General Election, as this weekend is reserved for early voting. As a result, many popular nightlife venues and bars will be closed during this period across the country. Additionally, all alcohol sales, including those in convenience stores, will be prohibited. Restaurants will remain open but will not serve alcohol.

Government offices, such as Thai Immigration, will be closed from tomorrow, Thursday, May 4 and will reopen on Monday morning, May 8. Many banks and private businesses may also close for the weekend, so it is advisable to check in advance.

Coronation Day commemorates the King’s Coronation in Thailand. However, his Royal Majesty will be absent from the celebrations in Thailand as he will be making an overseas trip to the UK. He, along with Her Royal Majesty the Queen, will be attending the coronation of King Charles III during this period. The decision to attend the event in the UK highlights the strong bond and diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United Kingdom.

The sale of booze is a contentious issue in Thailand, with recent restrictions during the Buddhist holidays and election periods. These measures aim to encourage a peaceful and solemn atmosphere during these significant events. The enforcement of such restrictions may impact tourism, as visitors may be unaware of the temporary alcohol ban and may find it inconvenient during their stay in the country.