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Religious day brings alcohol ban

PHUKET: A ban on the sale of alcohol will come into effect at midnight Saturday night as the country observes the Buddhist religious holiday Wan Org Pansa, the conclusion of the three-month ‘Rains Retreat’ often referred to as Buddhist Lent, on Sunday (Oct 29).

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By The Phuket News

Wednesday 25 October 2023 12:42 PM


Image: Thai Health Promotion Foundation / file

Image: Thai Health Promotion Foundation / file

The 24-hour alcohol ban will come into effect just after midnight Saturday night (00:01am Sunday, Oct 29) and will conclude at midnight Sunday night (00:00am, Monday, Oct 30).

The alcohol ban for Wan Org Pansa was instituted by law under an announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office on January 22, 2015.

Under the order, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on five specific religious days: Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha Day, Khao Pansa and Wan Org Pansa.

Anyone caught breaking the ban faces a prison sentence of up to six months, a B10,000 fine or both.

Police traditionally ask people to be respectful on the day.