National—
Visakha Bucha Day, also known as Vesak, 2024 will be on May 22nd, which is a public holiday. The sale of all types of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in convenience stores and entertainment venues on religious holidays under Thai law.
Vesak Day is an important Buddhist holiday in Thailand, marking three significant events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing away. These events all occurred on the same day, the full moon day of the sixth lunar month.
The Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing away coincides with the Vesak month’s full moon, making it a significant day for Buddhists. The core teachings associated with these events include gratitude, the Four Noble Truths, and mindfulness.
On Vesak Day, Buddhists typically engage in various religious activities such as making merit, listening to sermons, and performing acts of worship to promote peace and happiness.
As it is a significant religious day, the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited according to the announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office titled “Designation of Prohibited Days for Alcohol Sales 2015.
The announcement stated, “No one is allowed to sell alcoholic beverages on Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, the Beginning of Buddhist Lent Day, and the End of Buddhist Lent Day, except for duty-free shops within international airport terminals.”
Additionally, the Alcohol Control Act of 2008, Section 32, further stipulated that “no person shall advertise alcoholic beverages or display names or trademarks of alcoholic beverages in a manner that promotes or encourages drinking, directly or indirectly.”
In summary, consuming alcohol on Vesak Day is considered inappropriate due to religious principles, and selling alcohol is illegal, except for purchases in duty-free shops within airports. The legal hours of closing are from Midnight to Midnight on Wednesday, May 22nd.
Banks, government offices (including Immigration) and some private businesses will also close on Vesak Day.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
