Makha Bucha Day alcohol ban in effect until midnight

PHUKET: A nationwide ban on the sale and purchase of alcohol took effect at midnight, and will last all day, out of respect for Makha Bucha Day.

“We sent a letter to night entertainment business operators to inform them of the ban, which took effect at midnight,” Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Peerayuth Karajedee told the Phuket Gazette this morning.

“The ban runs for 24 hours. According to trading laws, entertainment venues cannot sell alcohol after 1am, which means that the ban should probably be adhered to until sunrise tomorrow.”

Anyone caught breaking the ban faces a prison sentence of up to six months, a 10,000-baht fine or both.

However, Col Peerayuth expressed his faith in Thai people to respect the ban, as well as the holy day.

“Patrol police will be sent out tonight to check on entertainment venues as per usual. However, I believe Thai people, alcohol retailers and all night entertainment venue operators understand that the sale and purchase of alcohol is prohibited on this special day,” Col Peerayuth said.

“We see no need to send any extra officers out to enforce the ban.”

Makha Bucha Day marks the significant day nine months after the Buddha’s enlightenment when 1,250 disciples arrived, unplanned, to meet him. The Buddha ordained them and passed to them the main precepts of Buddhism: to abstain from evil, to do good and to purify the mind (story here).

Many Buddhists in Thailand will be making merit today and following the five Buddhist precepts for laymen, one of which is to abstain from alcohol. There will also be candle-lit processions at temples on Phuket and nationwide to celebrate Makha Bucha Day.

— Chutharat Plerin