Pattaya/Jomtien-
Concerned citizens complained to local media tonight/this morning, May 14th, 2023, due to what they said were large groups of tourists and Thai nationals disrespecting the Thai election.
TPN media notes the law doesn’t necessarily ban drinking itself, but does ban all sales of alcohol which has shut down all entertainment venues and bars and bans all alcohol sales from various venues like hotels and restaurants. Thai election and government officials, however, have repeatedly warned/requested that the public respect the election by refraining from drinking.
Technically, drinking alcohol on beaches is actually illegal all the time, similar to smoking. In fact, Thailand does have multiple public drinking laws but they are rarely enforced in Pattaya due to being a “party city” and a tourism area. The last time beach drinking rules were widely enforced was during the Covid-19 pandemic, to discourage drinking and gathering on local beaches.
Pattaya City police and municipality officers were reportedly aware of the issue and planning to patrol the beaches for illegal behavior throughout the alcohol ban period.
What do you think of election alcohol bans, even for non-voters and tourists? Tell us in the comments below or email us at Editor@thepattayanews.com
