Under election law, a 24-hour alcohol ban will apply from 6pm on Saturday, Jan 31, until 6pm on Sunday, Feb 1, for advance voting, Phuket Election Commission (ECT Phuket) Chief Orapin Achivasuk confirmed.
The alcohol ban also will be in effect from 6pm on Feb 7 to 6pm on Feb 8 for the national election, she added.
Both bans apply nationwide and cover all shops, bars, entertainment venues and service establishments, including popular nightlife areas such as Patong and Bangla Rd, Ms Orapin said.
Anyone found violating the ban faces up to one month in prison, a fine of up to B10,000, or both, she warned.
Ms Orapin stressed that the restrictions extend beyond commercial sales. “For both advance voting and the election, the sale, distribution and dispensing of alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Celebrations involving drinking parties are also forbidden,” she explained.
“People may drink alone at home, but group drinking or parties involving more than one person are prohibited. This is prohibited nationwide, everywhere, including in establishments,” she added.
Patong Police Chief Pol Col Korakrit Khanthakruea confirmed enforcement measures would be in place. “The alcohol bans will be applied on the election days, and punishment for anyone found selling alcohol will be enforced according to the law,” he said.
Patong Municipality Mayor Lalita Maneesri confirmed the ban would be strictly enforced across the municipality.
“The alcohol ban on advance voting day and election day is a national ban. This includes all shops and service establishments. All areas of Patong, including Bangla and everywhere else, will be subject to the ban from 6pm on the day before until 6pm on election day,” Ms Lalita said.