Visakha Bucha Day this year falls on Sunday (May 31), with the substitution holiday on Monday (June 1). Government offices, including Phuket Immigration, will be closed on Monday for the public holiday.
Visakha Bucha Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Lord Buddha and is one of the most important religious holidays in Thailand.
Under Thai law, alcohol sales are prohibited on the five major Buddhist holidays. The ban for Visakha Bucha Day will take effect from 12am Sunday, May 31, until 12am Monday, June 1.
Violations carry penalties of up to six months in prison, a fine of up to B10,000, or both, under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.
Phuket Provincial Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum has reconfirmed to The Phuket News that legally registered service establishments operating under the Service Establishment Act are permitted to continue selling alcohol during the holiday.
Also exempt from the ban are registered hotels, international airport terminals and approved tourism-related venues operating under the government exemptions announced in the Royal Gazette.
All other shops, convenience stores, supermarkets and general vendors must comply with the ban, Pol Maj Gen Sinlert said.