Thailand to lift alcohol ban on Buddhist holidays to boost tourism
Thailand is set to lift its ban on alcohol sales during major Buddhist holidays.
The government says this move will help boost tourism and bring in more money for the country. The decision follows a meeting of the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee.
Under the new rule, alcohol sales will be allowed on five key Buddhist holidays. These include Makha Bucha Day, Visaka Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, and the start and end of Buddhist Lent.
However, not all places can sell alcohol these days. Only specific venues, such as hotels, airports, tourist areas, and designated events, will get special permission.
The proposal is part of Thailand’s plan to attract more visitors under the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign.
The country aims to welcome 39 million tourists and earn 3 trillion baht from tourism this year. The alcohol industry alone brings in around 600 billion baht annually, contributing 150 billion baht to the government in tax revenue.
The proposal still needs to go through a 15-day public review before being sent to the Minister of Public Health and then to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for final approval.
If approved, the new rules could take effect as early as May 11, 2025, on Visaka Bucha Day.
