Asalha Puja falls on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, coinciding with the fifth of July this year.
It commemorates the day when the Buddha’s first sermon was delivered to his first five disciples, thus coming into existence of the Triple Gem, comprising the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha.
The Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand allows temples nationwide to hold religious activities on Asalha Puja Day and Buddhist Lent Day for this year, now that the COVID-19 situation in Thailand has improved.
However, every temple still needs to strictly follow the COVID-19 preventive measures, which include providing a screening point, wearing a face mask, and following physical distancing while participating in activities such as praying in the ubosot and joining the triple circumambulation.
During Asalha Puja and Khao Phansa (or Buddhist Lent Day), which is the day after Asalha Puja (tomorrow), there will be an alcohol sales ban. No alcohol will be sold or served on these days. Entertainment venues are closed.
Source: Thai National PR