The Alcohol Control Committee Tuesday surprisingly withdrew the proposed ban on alcohol sales within a 300-metre radius of universities and colleges. While these are good news on the face of it, there’s a catch. The 300-metre rule has been dropped only in favour of an equally controversial junta-issued order to vaguely ban alcohol sales “in… Continue Reading
48-Hour Alcohol Ban for Buddhist Holidays – July 30, 31
This year, the back-to-back Buddhist holidays of Asarnha Bucha and Khao Pansaa fall on Thursday, July 30, and Friday, July 31. Both are important public holidays, and government offices, the local immigration bureau, banks and many other businesses will be closed for two consecutive days. As mandatory on the most important Buddha days, alcohol sales… Continue Reading
Thailand Bans Alcohol Sales Near Schools – So What?
Last week, the military government has issued two controversial new laws restricting the sales of alcohol within a radius of 300 metres of schools and universities across the country. While it still remains to be seen how strictly the new rules will be enforced and how they will affect the entertainment industry (we think Pattaya… Continue Reading
Stricter Penalties for Drunk Driving in Pattaya
The website of local German-language newspaper Der Farang reports today that Pattaya police on Monday have announced a new crackdown on drunk driving. Not only would there be more “sobriety checkpoints” around the tourist city, but also significantly stricter penalties. According to the new alleged rules, which appear to be in force since Monday, if… Continue Reading
Alcohol Ban on Visakha Bucha Day, June 1, 2015
This year, the important Buddhist holiday of Visakha Bucha falls on Monday, June 1. Visakha Bucha is a national holiday, and government offices, the local immigration bureau, banks and many other businesses will be closed for the day. As mandatory on the four most important Buddha days, alcohol sales will be banned nationwide and most… Continue Reading
Thai PM Orders Crackdown on Drunk Driving
Thai prime minister and junta leader Prayuth Chan-o-cha has ordered an all-out crackdown on drunk driving and instructed police nationwide to regularly set up road checkpoints and check blood alcohol level of motorists. ThaiVisa.com quotes a deputy government spokesman as saying that Prayuth wanted police to take drastic actions against drunk drivers without leniency. Thailand’s… Continue Reading
Jomtien Restaurant Owner Arrested for Violating Buddha Booze Ban
The 49-year-old female owner of a guesthouse and restaurant on Soi Welcome off Jomtien Beach Road was detained by the military under martial law Wednesday night for defying the nationwide ban on alcohol sales on Makha Bucha Day – one of the most important holy days in the Thai Buddhist calendar. She was charged with… Continue Reading
Alcohol Ban on Makha Bucha Day, March 4, 2015
This year, the important Buddhist holiday of Makha Bucha falls on Wednesday, March 4. Government offices including the local immigration bureau, banks and many other businesses will be closed. As usual on the four most important Buddha days, alcohol sales will be banned nationwide. Makha Bucha Day, one of the four most important holy days… Continue Reading
