However, police will encourage people to refrain from drinking alcohol on HM The King’s birthday as a sign of respect and in honour of His Majesty.
The sale of alcohol will also be permitted on Constitution Day, on December 10, Phuket Provincial Police Chief Col Teeraphol Thipjaroen told The Phuket News yesterday (Dec 1).
“The sale of alcohol sale is permitted during these upcoming holidays, including December 5,” Col Teeraphol said.
“No law states that the sale of alcohol is prohibited on December 5, so people can sell alcohol if they want to, but we do want people to refrain from drinking alcohol to honour and show respect to His Majesty.
“December 5 is our Father’s birthday. We should want to do only the best thing for him and be the best people that we can be.”
According to to an announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office on January 22, 2015, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on five specific religious days: Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asanha Bucha Day, Khao Pansa and Wan Org Pansa days. (see story here).
On the three upcoming public holidays, most government offices across the island will be closed. However, banks and and their branches in major shopping malls will remain open, while post offices will remain open until noon. (See table below.)
