Thailand bar closing times: Alcohol ban slapped on next two weekends

I’m in a state of disbelief about this. The next two weekends will see a nationwide alcohol ban enforced. Whether you’re a local, an expat or a tourist, you won’t be able to buy booze at bars, clubs, stores or anywhere else (expect, apparently, large hotels).

There was talk of this on a few forums recently, but until today – the day before the ban will take effect – there was no official source. Thai Visa was the first to confirm the rumours:

"The first dry days will be 14, 15 and 16 December, pre-election days for a few million Thais who registered to vote early. Thaivisa has been informed that no alcohol is allowed to be served nationwide between Friday 14th at 6pm until Sunday 16th at midnight. Elections on the 23rd will mean no alcohol will be sold from 6pm on the 22nd till midnight on the 23rd of December. Practically this means two or three dry days in the two weekends ahead, although some tourist areas tend to be lenient once it’s past 7pm on election day."

Absolute madness. The fact that it’s been so poorly publicized makes it even worse. It kicks in tomorrow and until today, there’s been mass confusion as to what is going on. I understand the importance of the election, but in a country where campaigners give out Viagra to sway votes, would alcohol really make things any worse?

This disastrous regulation has meant that club owners and promoters in Bangkok have been forced to reschedule high-profile events and change the dates that international acts were set to fly into Thailand.

Links of Interest:

• Discussion on Thai Visa