The ban takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 29 and remains in force until midnight on July 30, according to a reminder issued by the Royal Thai Police.
During the two-day period, convenience stores, supermarkets, liquor retailers and most restaurants must suspend alcohol sales unless they qualify for exemptions under Thai law, The Nation newspaper reported.
Asalha Bucha Day, observed on July 29, commemorates the Buddha's first sermon and is a public holiday for government offices, banks and many private businesses while Buddhist Lent Day, on July 30, marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist retreat and is a government holiday, although banks and many private companies continue operating unless employers declare an additional day off.
This photograph taken on Nov. 26, 2022 shows beer glasses on a customer's table at the Chit Beer bar on the island of Koh Kret, Nonthaburi Province, in Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand. Photo by AFP
Under a 2025 Prime Minister's Office notification, alcohol sales are still permitted at five categories of venues.
