Pattaya —
Pattaya officials and business operators have expressed support for the National Alcohol Policy Committee’s decision to allow alcohol sales in designated venues on major religious holidays, believing it will benefit tourism.
The National Alcohol Policy Committee has approved the sale of alcoholic beverages on five major religious holidays—Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, Buddhist Lent Day, and End of Buddhist Lent Day—at hotels, entertainment venues, international airports, and special national events. The sale will still be banned in other public places. Officials are confident the new rule will be in place before Visakha Bucha Day on May 11th.
Pattaya Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngampichet shared his thoughts on the decision, explaining that in the past, entertainment venues stayed open during major religious holidays but stopped selling alcohol from midnight before the holiday until midnight on the holiday itself.
He agreed with the government’s plan to allow alcohol sales in certain areas, like licensed entertainment venues that follow zoning rules in Pattaya. However, he noted that sales outside licensed entertainment zone areas would need further discussion to address social concerns. TPN Media notes that Jomtien and Naklua and the Dark Side are NOT in entertainment zones currently, despite plenty of discussion about expanding the zones here, which means in theory they would not be allowed to sell alcohol on religious holidays.
The mayor also urged business operators to strictly follow the law, especially by not selling alcohol to those under 18. He believed that allowing alcohol sales on these five religious holidays could help boost Pattaya’s tourism industry.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Amphorn Kaewsaeng, an executive at The Stones House, expressed her support for the new rule, calling it good news for entertainment venue operators who have been waiting for this change. She also thanked the government for understanding their perspective.
Mrs. Amphorn assured that if the policy is enacted, business operators will fully comply with the government’s regulations. She believed the decision will greatly boost Pattaya’s economy and tourism sector, while also significantly more revenue for the country.
