A nationwide ban on booze sales will soon go into effect on the upcoming Asarnha Bucha and Buddhist Lent days, which fall on August 2 and 3 respectively, The Ministry of Public Health announced.
Following a Cabinet resolution designating Buddhist Lent Day as a “No Alcohol Day,” the prime minister’s office in 2009 announced that the sale of alcohol would be banned on four major religious holidays: Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asarnha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day, the Thailand Public Relations Department (NNT) reported.
Like any other year, Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri confirmed that the alcohol ban will also be imposed during this year’s Asarnha Bucha and Buddhist Lent Days. However, the ban will not cover hotels registered under the Hotel Act.
The Minister said that in addition to violating Buddhist principles, alcohol consumption can lead to a number of social issues, such as drunk-driving and crimes.
The Public Health Ministry is coordinating with health offices nationwide to closely monitor establishments and entertainment venues in their provinces. Violators of the ban will face a jail term of up to six months, or a fine of up to THB10,000, or both.
Members of the public who witness illegal sales of alcoholic drinks on both of the religious occasions are advised to contact local authorities at 0-2590-3342.
