Nationwide Visakha Bucha alcohol ban begins at midnight

PHUKET: Bars, restaurants and other retailers throughout Phuket must refrain from selling alcohol from midnight tonight to sunrise Wednesday morning as a nationwide ban comes into effect for the Buddhist holy day Visakha Bucha on Tuesday.

“Visakha Bucha Day is one of the four annual religious days on which the sale of alcohol is banned,” Maj Sutthichai Thianpho of the Patong Police told the Phuket Gazette today.

“Alcohol retailers and customers are good about cooperating with us on these occasions. They know they are not allowed to buy or sell alcohol,” he said.

Maj Sutthichai explained that the ban will come into effect at midnight on Monday.

“We are not asking venues to close, but they should not be selling alcohol from midnight tonight,” he said.

“Anyone found breaking the law will face up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.”

Visakha Bucha day falls on the day of the full moon in the sixth lunar month. It commemorates the day the Buddha was born, was enlightened and passed away.

— Woranut Pechdee