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[sanook2me]

Beacher, on 2009-07-03 03:12:57, said:

The Thai government should be embarrassed by the laws it makes regarding drinking. The one forbidding sale of alcohol between 2-5 PM says to the rest of the world, "Our people are like irresponsible children who won't stay at work/school and do what they're supposed to do, so we have to make draconian laws to ensure that they won't shirk their responsibilities and get drunk instead."

I disagree i am young enough to remember English pubs having to close in the afternoon and i was a teenager when they changed the rules in the 90's to open all day.

Now look at the problems on the streets that the police and ambulance service cannot deal with as they are short staffed and under funded.

Just pop to a moma and poppa shop they will sell the stuff its only Big C, 7-11 etc the multi chains who cannot sell.

Thats the fun of living here - some laws are just meant to be broken or ignored by the public

[MrHammer]

Anyone who can't go a few days without alchohol, thai or foreigner, needs to consider professional help.

[jackr]

sanook2me, on 2009-07-06 17:35:12, said:

I disagree i am young enough to remember English pubs having to close in the afternoon and i was a teenager when they changed the rules in the 90's to open all day.

Now look at the problems on the streets that the police and ambulance service cannot deal with as they are short staffed and under funded.

Can't blame opening hours all on that. One needs to also look at the mindset of the youth in the UK today

[Vang2x]

sbk, on 2009-07-03 06:39:04, said:

Quote

Alcohol ban on religious holidays
By Suchat Sritama
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation
Published on July 1, 2009



The government was dealing another severe blow to the already-battered tourism and entertainment industry by suddenly banning booze during Buddhist holidays next week, business leaders complained yesterday.

"This is the same old issue - the government rising up to destroy tourism. This does not parallel its tourism policy of increasing the number of visitors coming into the country," said Thai Hotels Association (THA) president Prakit Chinamourphong.

Enforcement of the decree would hurt tourism venues, especially clubs and restaurants located in hotels, as well as general tourist attractions.

"How can tourists can enjoy their holiday in Thailand without drinking? Like Phuket or Pattaya, they're coming for beaches and fun. They like to have beers and some drinks on the beach. If we ask them not to do so, they won't be happy," Prakit said.

The government should have communicated the order well in advance to foreign tourists, so they could plan their activities and celebrations better while staying in the country.

"I think it's good for locals to stop drinking during that time, but tourists will be upset," Prakit said.

Rest of article here:

The Nation



How do you think this should be handled for tourists? Should it be banned for tourists as well? Should they be able to drink in their hotels and guesthouses?

Is one law for locals and another law for guests feasible?

I know on Koh Phangan, that many places have ignored this requirement and I wonder if it will now be more strictly enforced?

I'm not sure what's the statistics in Thailad whether the crime increases in result to alcohol drinking but I do know there are more accidents on holidays. These accidents are generally on the road. When it's holiday, some people drink alcohol and many of them drive perhaps from their hometown. Fatalities happen along the way. Maybe the banning is to prevent accidents. That is aside from the fact if I heard it right, drinking is actually not recommended in Buddhist teaching.

[angiud]

I always wondering how alcohol related posts rise a so big dust. Like Mr Hammer said before: "Anyone who can't go a few days without alcohol, thai or foreigner, needs to consider professional help"

And one more thing: in my island, but I guess everywhere in Thailand, the many fund rising 1 week parties in the temple areas, are one of the main events where thai people drink. Inside the buddist temples! I see a contraddiction, but, I forgot, in the name of the holy baht...

[DaleBlue]

My bf make sure that the fridge is stock up before long holiday, election etc.
Bulk buy from Tesco.

[G54]

So much for the ban today.
On Saturday I am told the bars/clubs in a major hotel here are shut Tuesday and Wednesday.
Last night I am told it is business as usual. They are open and selling drinks.

First time I have known this to happen when there is a general ban on alcohol sales.

[mysterybkk]

G54, on 2009-07-07 08:43:31, said:

So much for the ban today.
On Saturday I am told the bars/clubs in a major hotel here are shut Tuesday and Wednesday.
Last night I am told it is business as usual. They are open and selling drinks.

First time I have known this to happen when there is a general ban on alcohol sales.

i went out last night. i forgot about the holiday. i was served whiskey from a sprite bottle. they were kind enough to pour it in there so that my drinking would not be affected.... so much for adhering to the laws....

[geriatrickid]

I am delighted by this restriction for Lent. Last night, I walked down Bangla and onto the Beach Rd. It's as peaceful as Patong has ever been. Did not see any of the typical bars breaking the law and didn't see the usual beer guzzlers on the beach after lunch. Haven't seen or heard any tourists upset either. maybe they are too busy doing something that doesn't involve public drinking.

i don't see how this wrecked anything or spoiled anyone's vacation. if someone can't go 2 days without a drink, he or she has a bigger problem.

And btw, I drink and am an agnostic.

[babuhavas]

i guess many bars on sukhumvit soi 4 must be selling it.any info?

[santicamp]

Normally the Villa market opposite the Emporium is the only place the will sell alcohol during the daytime, and often on holidays. Has anyone had any luck there during these past few days?

[Scott]

The ban on alcohol sales isn't about people who can't go without a drink--they invariably have a supply. I've never met an alcoholic who didn't have a pretty healthy stash of alcohol hidden away somewhere. It's about being able to go out, socialize and meet friends.

I seldom go out and I don't often drink. My work keeps imbibing off the table most of the time. About the only time I can go out is when there is a holiday and it would be nice to meet people and have a few drinks. Those days are pretty much limited to Buddhist holidays, which mean little to the people who are non-Buddhists.

The fact that I can't isn't of great importance, only a minor nusiance. For others I guess it's a bigger deal.

I really don't like having religion shoved down my throat, not my own, not anyone elses.

[Harcourt]

Scott, on 2009-07-08 21:43:59, said:

The ban on alcohol sales isn't about people who can't go without a drink--they invariably have a supply. I've never met an alcoholic who didn't have a pretty healthy stash of alcohol hidden away somewhere. It's about being able to go out, socialize and meet friends.

I seldom go out and I don't often drink. My work keeps imbibing off the table most of the time. About the only time I can go out is when there is a holiday and it would be nice to meet people and have a few drinks. Those days are pretty much limited to Buddhist holidays, which mean little to the people who are non-Buddhists.

The fact that I can't isn't of great importance, only a minor nusiance. For others I guess it's a bigger deal.

I really don't like having religion shoved down my throat, not my own, not anyone elses.

Religion is not being shoved down your throat. All you're being asked to do is respect the host nation's religiously based decree. You're not being asked to believe in anything, or to renounce any beliefs. You are not being preached to, and have no dogma forced upon you. Your own religious freedoms are respected (unless you are a true believer and follower of Bacchus).

What you do in the privacy of your own home is your business. The ban is on the sale, not on the consumption....so have your friends over.

It's not every day of the year. Most days, it will affect nobody.


I understand that there are likely political reasons for the law, and that is what bothers some of the people opposed to it, as a matter of principle as much as anything.

But here is the beauty of this law, from the legislator's POV: The reason for the law can be blamed on the religion of 98% of the population, and the majority of those annoyed with it are non-voters....who cares what they think?

Officially secular or not, Thailand's majority religion can not be disdained, whether there is an ulterior motive for the decree or not.

Hence it's moot. Like it or lump it.

[joker]

Carib, on 2009-07-03 00:14:29, said:

I think the statement made by Prakit saying ""How can tourists can enjoy their holiday in Thailand without drinking?" is a bit over the top. It would mean that without drinking one cannot enjoy things. Sounds strange to me.

To answer the question: If Thailand forbids to drink on these days on religious grounds, than that is a part of Thailand, so as a visitor you will have to accept that too.

I totally agree with these last 2 lines. It's time that tourists and espcially foreigners living here, realize this
IS Thailand and it has it's own culture and religious norms. We're talking about 6 days in a whole year and
frankly if there is anyone out there who can't handle it, they NEED help!
It also annoys me when Falang blatantly ignore the ban (and the smoking one in bars etc.) just to satisfy
there egoistic selfishness.

[alant]

2 days of restrictions, (possibly the most observed i have seen) and 3 pages of posts, mostly members having a go at each other or their stated country of allegance.
i have tried to analyse this and i dont see any reference to religion in the ban OTHER than the holiday which would appear to bee the critical factor. Previous reasons for considering the ban have included road safety but i have not seen reference to this here so i maintain that this appears to be purely an imposition based upon "i am right and i know it therfore i dictate it"
just for my peace of mind why do people say Buddhism bans the consumption of alcohol, i know little of th subject but i have not found where this is stated.

many thanks

[DP25]

geriatrickid, on 2009-07-08 14:37:23, said:

if someone can't go 2 days without a drink, he or she has a bigger problem.

Most people that this law affects can easily go 2 days without a drink. In fact, many of them have gone MONTHS without a drink. Then they have a few days in Thailand, and want to drink on their HOLIDAY, and can't. It is only the short term tourists that are affected by this law. Thais are definitely not affected at all, same with most expats, only clueless tourists fresh off the plane are the ones prevented from drinking.

[Gary A]

Chamlong is a patient man. Who knows, he may eventually get the total prohibition that he wants. He should study the US though. Prohibition made MANY gangsters VERY wealthy including the Kennedy clan. Against the law or not, alcohol will always be available.

[jfchandler]

After reading this thread.... GOD... I NEED A DRINK!!!!

ps - Lolitas Sukhumvit has been closed the past two days... And a nearby bar had its metal shades down and no one outside, but appeared to be serving inside. Didn't venture out to Soi 4.

[webfact]

jfchandler, on 2009-07-08 12:32:34, said:

After reading this thread.... GOD... I NEED A DRINK!!!!

ps - Lolitas Sukhumvit has been closed the past two days... And a nearby bar had its metal shades down and no one outside, but appeared to be serving inside. Didn't venture out to Soi 4.

...

[mickvisa]

Harcourt, on 2009-07-03 12:16:03, said:

robblok, on 2009-07-03 15:12:55, said:

Jungian, on 2009-07-03 09:48:29, said:

A lot of bars in the USA are still closed on Sunday and you can't buy alcohol in many states on Sunday, with the exception of South Dakota where you can buy all the beer you want just nothing hard... I think the law now is that food sales have to be equal or higher than alcohol sales and the bar can be opened (in most states). So, no it applies to everyone tourists are not exempt what would you do anyway to prove you are a tourist? I'm sure if you look closely you will find opened bars.

So because the good ol USA does it its a good thing ? Forcing religions dogma's onto others is wrong period.

Drive carefully, I don't want your kharma to run over my dogma.

I don't think he's saying anything like "If the USA does it, it's a good thing". Like me in my post which mentions New Zealand....just drawing a parallel to say that this Thai action is not at all odd in the greater scheme of things.

I strongly dislike dogmatics, I am staunchly atheist, and resent any religion being forced upon me. However, when I visit a friend's house for dinner and they insist on saying grace, I sit and wait quietly until they are finished, I don't get stuck into the food while their eyes are still closed. . Respect the host.

you poor old drunks ,gonna miss yer booze and piss up for a few days ,any thing that restricts the abuse of alcohol is a good thing ,same as cigarettes ,learn to live clean you will live longer and happier

[mickvisa]

joker, on 2009-07-08 18:58:51, said:

Carib, on 2009-07-03 00:14:29, said:

I think the statement made by Prakit saying ""How can tourists can enjoy their holiday in Thailand without drinking?" is a bit over the top. It would mean that without drinking one cannot enjoy things. Sounds strange to me.

To answer the question: If Thailand forbids to drink on these days on religious grounds, than that is a part of Thailand, so as a visitor you will have to accept that too.

I totally agree with these last 2 lines. It's time that tourists and espcially foreigners living here, realize this
IS Thailand and it has it's own culture and religious norms. We're talking about 6 days in a whole year and
frankly if there is anyone out there who can't handle it, they NEED help!
It also annoys me when Falang blatantly ignore the ban (and the smoking one in bars etc.) just to satisfy
there egoistic selfishness.

many thais think that all farangs need alcohol to enjoy life ,thats what they see fat,drunk rich whites ,they can think we are all like that ,look at the bars ,men stumbling around too fat or/and drunk to walk

[dttk0009]

Heading towards complete prohibition in the future, I think.

[Gary A]

Not all farangs have wives who won't allow them to drink, smoke or go to bars. Some farang husbands are even allowed to have an opinion.

[webfact]

dttk0009, on 2009-07-09 02:58:55, said:

Heading towards complete prohibition in the future, I think.

Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi might disagree...
Forbes

[Harcourt]

mickvisa, on 2009-07-09 14:45:32, said:

Harcourt, on 2009-07-03 12:16:03, said:

robblok, on 2009-07-03 15:12:55, said:

Jungian, on 2009-07-03 09:48:29, said:

A lot of bars in the USA are still closed on Sunday and you can't buy alcohol in many states on Sunday, with the exception of South Dakota where you can buy all the beer you want just nothing hard... I think the law now is that food sales have to be equal or higher than alcohol sales and the bar can be opened (in most states). So, no it applies to everyone tourists are not exempt what would you do anyway to prove you are a tourist? I'm sure if you look closely you will find opened bars.

So because the good ol USA does it its a good thing ? Forcing religions dogma's onto others is wrong period.

Drive carefully, I don't want your kharma to run over my dogma.

I don't think he's saying anything like "If the USA does it, it's a good thing". Like me in my post which mentions New Zealand....just drawing a parallel to say that this Thai action is not at all odd in the greater scheme of things.

I strongly dislike dogmatics, I am staunchly atheist, and resent any religion being forced upon me. However, when I visit a friend's house for dinner and they insist on saying grace, I sit and wait quietly until they are finished, I don't get stuck into the food while their eyes are still closed. . Respect the host.

you poor old drunks ,gonna miss yer booze and piss up for a few days ,any thing that restricts the abuse of alcohol is a good thing ,same as cigarettes ,learn to live clean you will live longer and happier

I'm actually supporting the brief prohibition....where do you get the idea that I'm a drunk?
And as for your prosletysing about "clean living"...that is dogma too that I ignore.