“We issued a letter prohibiting the sale of alcohol on October 27 on Makha Bucha day back in March. That letter was sent to all establishments in Phuket that sell alcohol and it clearly stated that this year there is an additional day when the sale of alcohol is prohibited. Today is that additional day, “Wan Org Pansa,” Pol Lt Col Chao Pomna told The Phuket News.
“We will check on those establishments that sell alcohol to see if they are breaking the order or not,” Col Chao added.
In an announcement made toady by Dr Assadang Ruay-ar-jin of the Disease Control Department, he reiterated an announcement made by the Prime Minister’s office on January 22.
“According to the announcement made by the Prime Minister’s office on January 22, 2015, there are five religious days that prohibit the sale of alcohol. The five days are as follows; Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Arsarnraha Bucha, Khao Pansa and Wan Org Pansa days. This announcement bans the sale of alcohol everywhere except duty free shops at the International airports.
“Anyone who who breaks this order will be imprisoned for up to 6 months and / or fined up to B10,000 or both. This year is the first year that the ban takes place on Wan Org Pansa day (Oct 27).”