PATTAYA, Thailand – May 9, 2025 – After decades of restrictions, Pattaya’s entertainment and tourism sectors are celebrating a major decision to partially allow alcohol sales on major Buddhist holidays. We covered this announcement in full in THIS article earlier today.
The Royal Thai Government Gazette published a Prime Minister’s Office announcement, effective immediately, permitting alcohol sales on Visakha Bucha, Makha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, Buddhist Lent, and the end of Lent at airports, hotels, licensed entertainment venues, and similar establishments in key tourism areas.
The first holiday to see this change will be Visakha Bucha Day, this Sunday, May 11th, marking a shift aimed at boosting tourism amid declining visitor numbers.
The announcement updates the 2025 Alcohol Sales Prohibition Decree to align with current economic and tourism needs. Damrongkiat Pinijkan, manager of Hollywood Pattaya, hailed the decision as a “game-changer” for the nightlife industry, which has long awaited this reform. “This is a dream come true after at least 20 years,” he said. “It will stimulate tourism, especially now when visitor numbers are dropping. Tourists want to enjoy nightlife, and closures on these holidays disappointed them.” He thanked the government for supporting businesses, noting that increased revenue would benefit operators, employees, and their families.
To address safety concerns, Damrongkiat emphasized that Pattaya’s nightlife venues already enforce strict measures, including age checks to exclude those under 20, and screenings for drugs and weapons. Regular inspections by police and administrative officials ensure compliance. To prevent alcohol-related accidents, venues provide accommodations, breathalyzer-equipped taxi points, and designated drivers for intoxicated patrons. “Safety is a priority, and we’ve been rigorous about it,” he added.
However, Damrongkiat urged the government to reconsider the current 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM daily alcohol sales ban, which he said confuses tourists and hurts hotels and restaurants. “Tourists don’t understand why they can’t order or purchase an alcoholic drink at that time. If the goal is road safety, enforcement should focus on highways, not dining hours,” he suggested.
Lisa Hamilton, president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, echoed the enthusiasm, stating that the policy would attract more tourists to the city. “In the past, tourists arrived on these holidays to find venues closed, leaving them with nowhere to relax in a city known worldwide for its nightlife. This change makes Pattaya a true tourism hub,” she said.
Hamilton reassured The Pattaya News that safety measures, including campaigns against underage drinking, drugs, and weapons, remain in place with operators fully compliant with government regulations. “We’re grateful the government listened to us,” she added.
French tourist Giannorsi Sehastien expressed delight at the news. “It’s great to have places to go on these holidays. As a foreigner, I respect Thai culture and Buddhism, but I don’t follow the religion, so the ban was confusing. Now I can enjoy my trip.” he said.
TPN Media notes that this change doesn’t affect election laws and alcohol sales bans on those days. Pattaya City proper does not have an election this weekend, although many other districts and sub-districts do, including Nongprue, which consists of most of the Eastern part of Pattaya on the so-called dark side.
