Thailand Proposes Limited Alcohol Sales on Major Buddhist Holidays to Boost Tourism
A government committee suggests alcohol sales might be permitted at designated venues during key Buddhist observances.
Thailand is proposing to allow limited sales of alcohol on major Buddhist holidays, a move aimed at enhancing its appeal to international tourists.
The recommendation comes from the government’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee and was announced on Tuesday.
Under the proposed regulations, sales would be permitted on five significant Buddhist holidays at specific locations, including international airports, nightlife venues, hotels, tourist attractions, and sites hosting national events.
Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who chairs the committee, indicated that this change could be implemented as early as Visakha Bucha Day on May 11. The current regulations restrict alcohol sales on religious holidays, which has often surprised tourists looking for leisure during their visits.
By adjusting these rules, the Thai government aims to adapt to the demands of the tourism industry.
Thailand has long been favored as a tourist destination, renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and most notably, its progressive stance on cannabis legalization in Asia.
However, the government's recent proposals hint at a willingness to further align with global tourism trends.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra previously instructed a review of the prohibition on alcohol sales from 2 PM to 5 PM, following appeals from various business groups who argue that relaxed regulations would bolster the tourism sector.
In seeking to optimize the tourism experience, the Prime Minister also prompted authorities to evaluate the broader impacts of the ban on sales of alcoholic beverages during Buddhist holidays.
The proposal now awaits public hearings for a period of 15 days, after which it will be submitted to the Minister of Public Health for certification and subsequently to the Prime Minister for final approval.
The recommendation comes from the government’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee and was announced on Tuesday.
Under the proposed regulations, sales would be permitted on five significant Buddhist holidays at specific locations, including international airports, nightlife venues, hotels, tourist attractions, and sites hosting national events.
Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who chairs the committee, indicated that this change could be implemented as early as Visakha Bucha Day on May 11. The current regulations restrict alcohol sales on religious holidays, which has often surprised tourists looking for leisure during their visits.
By adjusting these rules, the Thai government aims to adapt to the demands of the tourism industry.
Thailand has long been favored as a tourist destination, renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and most notably, its progressive stance on cannabis legalization in Asia.
However, the government's recent proposals hint at a willingness to further align with global tourism trends.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra previously instructed a review of the prohibition on alcohol sales from 2 PM to 5 PM, following appeals from various business groups who argue that relaxed regulations would bolster the tourism sector.
In seeking to optimize the tourism experience, the Prime Minister also prompted authorities to evaluate the broader impacts of the ban on sales of alcoholic beverages during Buddhist holidays.
The proposal now awaits public hearings for a period of 15 days, after which it will be submitted to the Minister of Public Health for certification and subsequently to the Prime Minister for final approval.
