Alcohol ban

  • Thailand NewsPM mulls lifting alcohol restrictions for tourists on Buddhist holidays

    PM mulls lifting alcohol restrictions for tourists on Buddhist holidays

    Thailand’s strict alcohol sales restrictions could soon be scrapped as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra orders a review of outdated laws limiting alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays and between 2pm and 5pm. The move aims to boost tourism, with concerns that foreign visitors are unaware of these restrictions and find them inconvenient. Following a Cabinet meeting, the 38 year old prime…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya tourists fuming as Makha Bucha shuts down nightlife

    Pattaya tourists fuming as Makha Bucha shuts down nightlife

    Pattaya’s famous nightlife is set to go silent as officials enforce a strict alcohol ban in observance of Makha Bucha Day, leaving frustrated tourists scrambling for alternative plans. From 12.01am to 11.59pm tomorrow, February 12, all businesses—including shops, pubs, and bars—are strictly prohibited from selling alcohol. The Pattaya Police Department issued a stern warning, urging establishments to comply or risk…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket booze ban begins as election showdown heats up

    Phuket booze ban begins as election showdown heats up

    Thailand’s nationwide alcohol ban kicks in at 6pm today, leaving Phuket tourists dry for 24 hours as the country gears up for the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) elections tomorrow, February 1. Under Thai election law, the sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited during voting periods. Those caught flouting the rule face harsh penalties, including fines of up to 10,000 baht,…

  • Thailand NewsNew alcohol bill to limit sales hours, boost safety measures

    New alcohol bill to limit sales hours, boost safety measures

    The Ministry of Public Health will present the Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill to Parliament next month, marking a significant step in the legislative process. Nipon Chinanonwait, who directs the ministry’s Office of Alcohol Control Committee, shared updates regarding the bill yesterday, December 15. According to him, the revised Alcohol Beverage Control Act is slated for its second and third readings…

  • Thailand NewsAnti-drunk driving group urges no alcohol spending of 10,000-baht handout

    Anti-drunk driving group urges no alcohol spending of 10,000-baht handout

    Anti-drunk driving campaigners have called on recipients of the government’s 10,000-baht cash handout to avoid spending the money on alcohol to prevent accidents. Phattarabhandhu Krissana, chairman of the Network of Victims Against Drunk Driving, emphasised that the funds should be used for necessities or investments instead of alcoholic beverages, which could lead to accidents and disabilities. The Network of Victims…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket enforces 48-hour alcohol ban for Buddhist holidays

    Phuket enforces 48-hour alcohol ban for Buddhist holidays

    Patong police announced a 48-hour ban on alcohol sales in bars and restaurants as Thailand observes the Buddhist holidays Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa this weekend. Violating the alcohol sales ban could result in up to six months in jail or a fine of up to 10,000 baht, according to the notice issued by Patong Police. Officers informed bar…

  • Thailand NewsThailand bans alcohol sales nationwide for Visakha Bucha Day

    Thailand bans alcohol sales nationwide for Visakha Bucha Day

    Immigration and various government offices will be closed at midnight tomorrow as Thailand observes Visakha Bucha Day, a significant Buddhist holiday. As Thailand’s holy occasion, the sale of alcohol is banned nationwide for the entire day. This restriction begins at midnight tomorrow and continues until midnight on Wednesday, May 22, affecting all shops, bars, and restaurants. The only exception is…

  • Pattaya NewsThai health pushes for alcohol-free Songkran celebrations

    Thai health pushes for alcohol-free Songkran celebrations

    The Thai Health Promotion Foundation, StopDrink Network (SDN), and other relevant agencies conducted a press conference on Monday to deliberate on the celebration of Songkran in a manner that prioritised enjoyment, safety, and the absence of violence. Pairoj Saonuam, Deputy Manager of Thai Health, emerged as one of the prominent speakers at the event. Pairoj ardently advocated for the celebration…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket gears up for annual Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday

    Phuket gears up for annual Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday

    The bustling town of Phuket is set to observe a moment of stillness as the main Phuket Immigration Office, alongside other government establishments, prepares to halt operations for the upcoming Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday on Monday, February 26. This sacred holiday not only brings about a day of rest for public offices but also a countrywide prohibition on alcohol…

  • Thailand NewsNorth Thailand enforces alcohol ban in major national parks

    North Thailand enforces alcohol ban in major national parks

    A ban on alcohol consumption has been implemented in seven prime national parks across North Thailand to curb littering and maintain a tranquil environment for visitors. The ban, which applies to all visitors, was put into effect in 2021 by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). According to Songkran Pakchokdee, the director of StopDrink Network, an…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s spirit sobered: 24-hour alcohol ban for Wan Org Pansa holiday

    Phuket’s spirit sobered: 24-hour alcohol ban for Wan Org Pansa holiday

    Popular Thai tourist destination Phuket will observe a strict 24-hour ban on alcohol sales starting from midnight on Saturday, as part of the country’s observance of the Buddhist religious holiday, Wan Org Pansa. This event, which takes place on Sunday, October 29, marks the culmination of the three-month season known as the Rains Retreat, often referred to as Buddhist Lent.…

  • Thailand NewsAlcohol consumption bans at retirement parties win praise

    Alcohol consumption bans at retirement parties win praise

    Two key Thai ministries, the Interior and Education, have gained recognition for their commitment to stamping out alcohol consumption during retirement parties for their staff ending their service after this month. Introduced seven years ago, this policy was brought into effect following requests made by the StopDrink Network Office, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Thai Health Promotion…

  • Thailand NewsTwo booze ban days coming up in Thailand

    Two booze ban days coming up in Thailand

    In case drunkenness influences voters to tick the wrong box in Thailand‘s upcoming elections, alcohol sales will be banned nationwide for two Saturdays next month – early voting day and Election Day. No alcohol may be sold from 6pm on May 6 until 6pm on May 7, as well as from 6pm on May 13 until 6pm on May 14.…

  • EventsMakha Bucha Day Monday: lots of Buddhism, no booze

    Makha Bucha Day Monday: lots of Buddhism, no booze

    Buddha Days: holidays of religious celebration for Thais and sober frustration for foreign tourists. Next week Thailand will celebrate Makha Bucha Day, an important religious holiday for Thai Buddhists. The holiday falls on Monday, March 6. While the day may not hold the same religious significance for non-Buddhists, it is still recognized as a significant day in Thai culture, and…

  • Pattaya NewsAlcohol ban in Pattaya and Bangkok today until 6pm

    Alcohol ban in Pattaya and Bangkok today until 6pm

    There’s an alcohol ban in Pattaya and Bangkok today. It will last until 6pm tonight. Alcohol sales will be banned in Pattaya and Bangkok due to the Pattaya mayoral election, and the Bangkok governor election. Polling for both is being held today. In Bangkok voting is across 50 districts where 31 candidates are vying for the position of Governor –…

  • Pattaya NewsAlcohol ban in Pattaya and Bangkok from 6pm Saturday

    Alcohol ban in Pattaya and Bangkok from 6pm Saturday

    We know you just can’t get enough of Thailand’s alcohol bans, so here’s another one coming up tonight for you in Pattaya and Bangkok! From 6pm tonight (Saturday) until 6pm tomorrow night, alcohol sales will be banned in Pattaya and Bangkok due to the Pattaya mayoral election, and the Bangkok governor election, both of which are tomorrow. Those who break…

  • Thailand video news“Don’t drink and vote” Alcohol ban this weekend | GMT

    “Don’t drink and vote” Alcohol ban this weekend | GMT

    Following Thailand’s alcohol ban for the Buddhist holiday of Visakha Bucha Day, Pattaya and Bangkok dwellers can prepare for yet another alcohol ban coming just a week later! A popular Facebook page has posted a video and photos this week of black, dirty water flowing into Phuket Kamala Beach on the island’s west coast. Thailand’s public prosecution committee unanimously agreed…

  • Thailand NewsRemember Thailand’s alcohol sales ban tomorrow!

    Remember Thailand’s alcohol sales ban tomorrow!

    As is custom for several of Thailand’s religious holidays, alcohol sales will be prohibited across the country tomorrow (Sunday) for Visakha Bucha Day. The day, the most significant in the Buddhist calendar, commemorates 3 defining events in the life of the Lord Buddha. These include his birth, attaining enlightenment at 35 years old, and then his death 45 years later,…

  • Northern Thailand NewsKhon Kaen still enforcing unpopular alcohol ban at least 2 more weeks

    Khon Kaen still enforcing unpopular alcohol ban at least 2 more weeks

    Khon Kaen’s governor announced yesterday that the province will continue its highly strict, unpopular ban of alcohol from all restaurants for at least two more weeks. After two weeks, the ban will be reevaluated. Even though Thailand has allowed bars to reopen as temporary restaurants, Khon Kaen enforces stricter laws, and doesn’t even allow restaurants to serve alcohol. Alcohol can…

  • EventsMakha Bucha Day 2022: All about the public holiday in Thailand

    Makha Bucha Day 2022: All about the public holiday in Thailand

    For Thai Buddhists, Makha Bucha, also written Māgha Pūjā, is a day of abstinence, reflection and visits to the local temple, which culminate in picturesque candle-lit ceremonies in the evening. For those who don’t follow the Buddhist traditions, it’s a day of no alcohol sales. In fact, there is always a 24 hour alcohol ban imposed on the day, from…

  • Thailand NewsAlcohol until 11 pm at food venues in 8 Blue provinces from tomorrow

    Alcohol until 11 pm at food venues in 8 Blue provinces from tomorrow

    Put on your party boots; tomorrow it’s time to go out late for drinks on a Monday! The easing of the alcohol ban for 8 Blue Zone provinces goes into effect tomorrow with restaurants and similar venues allowed to sell drinks until 11 pm now. Bars, pubs, karaoke, nightclubs, and other nightlife and entertainment venues will not be legally allowed…

  • Covid-19 NewsPattaya Karaoke bar raided afterhours for violating Covid-19 rules

    Pattaya Karaoke bar raided afterhours for violating Covid-19 rules

    A karaoke bar in Pattaya flagrantly ignoring all Covid-19 regulations was raided by police last night as more than 50 people drank and partied inside. Police raided Jacky Karaoke around 11:30 pm last night after receiving an anonymous tip from someone reported to be worried about the illegal venue spreading Covid-19 in their area. The karaoke bar, located on Soi…

  • Phuket NewsHave a Test & Go QR code to enter Thailand? Read this.

    Have a Test & Go QR code to enter Thailand? Read this.

    Details emerging from last Friday’s deliberations by the CCSA have now been published in the Royal Gazette, enacting them into law. Missing from the published guidelines about changes to the Thailand Pass, is any reference to a cut-off date which was both stated and then published by government representatives on Friday following a meeting of the CCSA. Speaking to the…

  • Pattaya NewsImmune to penalty, police raid Sky Mountain restaurant a 6th time

    Immune to penalty, police raid Sky Mountain restaurant a 6th time

    They say no good deed goes unpunished, but in the case of Sky Mountain Restaurant in Pattaya, no unpunished deed goes unrepeated. The restaurant has been raided by police a sixth time for acting as a bar and nightclub and illegally selling alcohol in violation of Covid-19 restrictions, though it has not seen any penalty yet and continues to operate…

  • Covid-19 NewsBusiness and government leaders meet to reopen Pattaya bars

    Business and government leaders meet to reopen Pattaya bars

    A high-level meeting is the latest in the non-stop attempts by businesses in Pattaya to reopen bars and entertainment venues, with business leaders and government officials meeting at Pattaya City Hall yesterday to discuss the issue. The conference was run by the president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, the Bang Lamung District Chief, the mayor of Pattaya, and…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya restaurant busted operating after curfew as a nightclub

    Pattaya restaurant busted operating after curfew as a nightclub

    In a familiar scene lately as Thailand toes the line between Covid-19 safety and restarting the tourism economy by relaxing alcohol bans in select areas around the country, a restaurant essentially operating as a bar on South Pattaya Road was shut down last night for violating the Chon Buri Communicable Disease Control order. Dripoly restaurant in Pattaya was raided just…

  • Thailand video newsGrammar mistakes, Homemade coffee, Bhutan | Thaiger Bites | Ep.76

    Grammar mistakes, Homemade coffee, Bhutan | Thaiger Bites | Ep.76

    Jay and Tim go through your video messages, comments and feedback from Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and Thaiger Talk forum on the website.

  • Pattaya News4 Bang Saen restaurants busted selling alcohol outside Chon Buri Blue Zone

    4 Bang Saen restaurants busted selling alcohol outside Chon Buri Blue Zone

    Though Chon Buri has allowed alcohol in restaurants as part of the tourist Blue Zone, only specific areas received the exemption to Thailand’s alcohol ban. Over the weekend, 4 restaurant managers outside of the approved Blue Zone areas, mostly in the popular alternate tourist area Bang Saen, were arrested for selling alcohol against Covid-19 restrictions. The busts took place on…

  • Pattaya NewsAlcohol sales and consumption allowed in Chon Buri again

    Alcohol sales and consumption allowed in Chon Buri again

    After what seems like an eternity of fighting, protesting, and petitioning, the party is back in Pattaya! Sort of. Last night, the Public Relations Facebook page of the Chon Buri Governor posted the order easing restrictions on alcohol sales and consumption in the Chon Buri Blue Zone. The Blue Zone includes Pattaya and Bang Lamung, as well as Koh Larn,…

  • Central Thailand NewsMuang district in Ayutthaya allow to serve alcohol in restaurants

    Muang district in Ayutthaya allow to serve alcohol in restaurants

    The CCSA seems to be slowly rolling out the lifting of the alcohol ban in Thailand on a province by province, and sometimes district by district, basis. Muang district in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is the latest district to receive the green light to ease Covid-19 restrictions and allow alcohol to be served in restaurants. The district in Ayutthaya has…