coxyhog Posted May 8 Posted May 8 (edited) My missus reckons the bars are shut this weekend,first of all she said it's a buddhist thing then she said it's an election. Any truth to it?....Maybe just Korat? She has been wrong before but never admitted it😂. Visakha Bucha Day: Sunday, May 11th....Just did what I should've done before posting & Googled it,so only Sunday. But alcohol sales cease at 6pm on Saturday. Edited May 8 by coxyhog
forcebwithu Posted May 8 Posted May 8 I hadn't heard anything about sales ceasing at 6pm on Saturday. If it's like Buddha days in the past, the ban on alcohol sales will probably be from midnight on Saturday to midnight on Sunday. 1 1
KWA Posted May 8 Posted May 8 I've heard 6:00pm Saturday too due to the local elections being on Sunday as well as it being Buddha day. Going over to see an owner friend soon so will see what she says.
Jambo Posted May 8 Posted May 8 Ex-pats go into panic mode! OMG............................no alcohol for a day! 🤣 1 4
coxyhog Posted May 8 Author Posted May 8 A few years ago we arrived in Bangkok on a Saturday & it was a no booze day,as was Sunday. The Saturday I stayed in our hotel drinking my duty free bottle of Scotch but I couldn't face another night of that so Sunday afternoon I went down to Patpong & had a mosey around.Eventually found an outside bar where everyone was drinking from coffee mugs & had a great time playing pool with the ladies & getting plastered. I guess they're a bit more strict about it these days? 1 1
KWA Posted May 9 Posted May 9 Confirmed 6:00pm Saturday closure at my local, re-opening on Monday. Fortunately the restaurant near me doesn't worry about these rules if I fancy going out. 2 1 1
KWA Posted May 9 Posted May 9 Just read on Line from a bar owner on Soi Honey that he reckons they're open tomorrow. Another poster saying Darkside is closing early, so no-one really knows yet it appears.
forcebwithu Posted May 9 Posted May 9 16 minutes ago, KWA said: Just read on Line from a bar owner on Soi Honey that he reckons they're open tomorrow. Another poster saying Darkside is closing early, so no-one really knows yet it appears. The early closing on the DS could be because of local elections. Adding to the confusion... Thailand Partially Lifts Alcohol Sales Ban on Buddhist Holy Days with Strict Conditions, Effective From May 10, 2025, Approved Location List To Be Announced The Royal Gazette has officially announced a decision to partially lift the long-standing ban on alcohol sales during five major Buddhist holy days, a move aimed at boosting Thailand’s tourism industry while respecting religious traditions. The regulation, published on May 8th, 2025, and effective from May 10th, 2025, allows limited alcohol sales under strict conditions, starting with Visakha Bucha Day on May 11, 2025. This decision follows months of deliberation and public debate, reflecting Thailand’s efforts to balance cultural heritage with economic priorities in its “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign. ... As of press time, this location list has not been released and it is unclear if it will be completed in time for the religious holiday this Sunday. TPN Media notes that areas having local elections would still need to ban alcohol sales during polling hours and the evening before, under a different Thai law. ... 1
Blue Streak Posted May 9 Posted May 9 (edited) I popped into 7/11 tonight at about 21.00 hrs to be be greeted by a big sign saying no Alcohol sales between 6.00 pm Sat till Sunday 24.00hrs... Popped down Soi Diamond at 23.45 to a bar and an Agogo to be told business as usual over the weekend... Finished off in ''Tree Town'' to be told business as usual all over the weekend... Lets see....This is in PATTAYA..... Edited May 9 by Blue Streak 2 1
Krapow Posted May 9 Posted May 9 Thailand will allow alcoholic beverage sales on five Buddhist holidays in some places, including international airports, from Saturday in another push to promote tourism. The limited sales cover only international airports, nightlife venues, hotels and places hosting national or international events on five key religious days of Buddhism, according to the announcement of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Wednesday. It was published in the Royal Gazette on Friday and will be effective on Saturday. The so-called five "big" Buddhist holy days are Visaka Bucha, Makha Bucha, Asanha Bucha and the first and last days of Buddhist Lent. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said on Friday the relaxation of the rules served the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign. "It will directly benefit businesses in the tourism industry." he went on. Visaka Bucha this year falls on May 11. Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who is the committee chairman, has promised to start sales of alcohol drinks in selected locations on that day. Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a People's Party MP who has spearheaded a campaign to liberalise the alcoholic beverage industry in Thailand, warned drinkers not to start celebrating the matter. The ban remains in place except in some businesses which are permitted to sell alcohol. "Roadside food stalls, convenience stores, restaurants and supermarkets are not included in the new announcement. They still cannot sell alcohol," he wrote on his Facebook page. "I don't want to see anyone getting arrested because of this misunderstanding," Mr Taopiphop said. This year, Visaka Bucha falls on May 11, Makha Bucha on Feb 12, Asanha Bucha on July 10 and the first and last days of Buddhist Lent on July 12 and Oct 21. 2
forcebwithu Posted May 9 Posted May 9 5 hours ago, Blue Streak said: I popped into 7/11 tonight at about 21.00 hrs to be be greeted by a big sign saying no Alcohol sales between 6.00 pm Sat till Sunday 24.00hrs... Popped down Soi Diamond at 23.45 to a bar and an Agogo to be told business as usual over the weekend... Finished off in ''Tree Town'' to be told business as usual all over the weekend... Lets see....This is in PATTAYA..... Confirmed last night at Nikom, King's Club and Babylon they will be open as usual this weekend. 2
maipenrai Posted May 10 Posted May 10 This is great news as the 11th is my last full day in Thailand before I head home on Monday... 1 2
KWA Posted May 10 Posted May 10 Alex confirmed on Facebook that The Rock House will be open as usual on Saturday and Sunday. 1
KWA Posted May 10 Posted May 10 On 5/9/2025 at 4:40 AM, KWA said: Confirmed 6:00pm Saturday closure at my local, re-opening on Monday. Fortunately the restaurant near me doesn't worry about these rules if I fancy going out. And now a backtrack so even out here in the hinterlands they've confirmed no closures this weekend. 1
Jambo Posted May 10 Posted May 10 3 hours ago, KWA said: Alex confirmed on Facebook that The Rock House will be open as usual on Saturday and Sunday. That's interesting. I thought I read somewhere that Alex had closed the Rock House?
Nickrock Posted May 10 Posted May 10 I went past a few times a month ago no one sitting out side and doors closed appeared closed
KWA Posted May 10 Posted May 10 2 hours ago, Jambo said: That's interesting. I thought I read somewhere that Alex had closed the Rock House? 2 hours ago, Nickrock said: I went past a few times a month ago no one sitting out side and doors closed appeared closed Up for sale but not sold yet AFAIK. He's still promoting it on Facebook and advertising football games etc. 1
Glasseye Posted May 11 Posted May 11 On 5/10/2025 at 2:55 AM, Krapow said: Thailand will allow alcoholic beverage sales on five Buddhist holidays in some places, including international airports, from Saturday in another push to promote tourism. The limited sales cover only international airports, nightlife venues, hotels and places hosting national or international events on five key religious days of Buddhism, according to the announcement of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Wednesday. It was published in the Royal Gazette on Friday and will be effective on Saturday. The so-called five "big" Buddhist holy days are Visaka Bucha, Makha Bucha, Asanha Bucha and the first and last days of Buddhist Lent. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said on Friday the relaxation of the rules served the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign. "It will directly benefit businesses in the tourism industry." he went on. Visaka Bucha this year falls on May 11. Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who is the committee chairman, has promised to start sales of alcohol drinks in selected locations on that day. Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a People's Party MP who has spearheaded a campaign to liberalise the alcoholic beverage industry in Thailand, warned drinkers not to start celebrating the matter. The ban remains in place except in some businesses which are permitted to sell alcohol. "Roadside food stalls, convenience stores, restaurants and supermarkets are not included in the new announcement. They still cannot sell alcohol," he wrote on his Facebook page. "I don't want to see anyone getting arrested because of this misunderstanding," Mr Taopiphop said. This year, Visaka Bucha falls on May 11, Makha Bucha on Feb 12, Asanha Bucha on July 10 and the first and last days of Buddhist Lent on July 12 and Oct 21. Nice info. I can deal with the closings. I just hate the 2pm-5pm shut down. Doesn't make a bit of sense and a real pain in the ass.
maipenrai Posted May 11 Posted May 11 Well, here I am in BKK in the Nana area and guess what? No alcohol sales, period. I talked to a farang manager out on the sidewalk and he said that Soi Cowboy will be open tonight and I can only hope he is right. Nana Plaza and most of the other bars on the street will remain closed. He said it had something to do with what kind of licensing they have. I wouldn't have minded it so much if they had stuck to the original rules because I would have been resigned to it, but promising an easing of those rules and then not following through, or only for Pattaya, pisses me off severely. I can only assume that Cowboy will be open, if it is, because it is in a different police area than Nana Plaza, which has resulted in different rule enforcement many times in the past - good old Thailand, forget consistency in anything. 1 1 1
SteveBC Posted May 11 Posted May 11 5 hours ago, maipenrai said: Well, here I am in BKK in the Nana area and guess what? No alcohol sales, period. I talked to a farang manager out on the sidewalk and he said that Soi Cowboy will be open tonight and I can only hope he is right. Nana Plaza and most of the other bars on the street will remain closed. He said it had something to do with what kind of licensing they have. I wouldn't have minded it so much if they had stuck to the original rules because I would have been resigned to it, but promising an easing of those rules and then not following through, or only for Pattaya, pisses me off severely. I can only assume that Cowboy will be open, if it is, because it is in a different police area than Nana Plaza, which has resulted in different rule enforcement many times in the past - good old Thailand, forget consistency in anything. Can one afford to get pissed in Cowboy or Nana these day ???
Trip Posted May 11 Posted May 11 57 minutes ago, SteveBC said: Can one afford to get pissed in Cowboy or Nana these day ??? My experience is that yes, you still can but it helps to plan ahead; hit the specials/HHs, and ask about the policy on doubles for LDs if you're in that market. Dollhouse in Cowboy has a good'un, HH all night long on Mondays, and until 21:30 other nights. 2 1
maipenrai Posted May 12 Posted May 12 11 hours ago, SteveBC said: Can one afford to get pissed in Cowboy or Nana these day ??? No kidding - we went to Cowboy around 7:30 or so to await the arrival of my GF's friend and there were only about four venues half-open, with people sitting out the front and drinking; the only one that had room was the front of Baccara where we were soaked 190b for Singha and Tiger beer. We wanted to go for dinner so took a cab to Soi 8 and had a good feed, then walked through to Nana to check things out. The little bar in the first floor of the Citrus Suites was full of people but everything else was locked up until further down Nana, where one old bar was serving people in paper cups with pop cans provided for realism, again no seats available. We walked down the whole street, with people milling everywhere looking for a drink, and eventually rounded the corner onto Sukhumvit and into the Landmark Hotel lounge, where we were soaked 220b each for two pints of draft and 160b for a Tiger; during this time the rain started as well. I'd finally had enough and opted to head back to the hotel so we settled up the bill and on 600b they had the nerve to "++" us to the tune of 100b - f**ing thieves. Thankfully the rain had slacked off and I buggered off - the girls wanted to stay out longer so I gave them a few hundred baht and the GF told me later that they ended up in the Nana nightclub which of course is part of the hotel so they were serving. I couldn't believe how many people were still wandering around the streets with no booze and sporadic rain as well - all that revenue missed by the local establishments, and some fun for the tourists who pay so much to come here to enjoy themselves, and all because of idiotic and confusing rules - the mind boggles. I can only hope that things were somewhat better in Pattaya, where I would have stayed until the end if not for the upcountry GF flying down to see me off. 2 2
forcebwithu Posted May 12 Posted May 12 43 minutes ago, maipenrai said: No kidding - we went to Cowboy around 7:30 or so to await the arrival of my GF's friend and there were only about four venues half-open, with people sitting out the front and drinking; the only one that had room was the front of Baccara where we were soaked 190b for Singha and Tiger beer. We wanted to go for dinner so took a cab to Soi 8 and had a good feed, then walked through to Nana to check things out. The little bar in the first floor of the Citrus Suites was full of people but everything else was locked up until further down Nana, where one old bar was serving people in paper cups with pop cans provided for realism, again no seats available. We walked down the whole street, with people milling everywhere looking for a drink, and eventually rounded the corner onto Sukhumvit and into the Landmark Hotel lounge, where we were soaked 220b each for two pints of draft and 160b for a Tiger; during this time the rain started as well. I'd finally had enough and opted to head back to the hotel so we settled up the bill and on 600b they had the nerve to "++" us to the tune of 100b - f**ing thieves. Thankfully the rain had slacked off and I buggered off - the girls wanted to stay out longer so I gave them a few hundred baht and the GF told me later that they ended up in the Nana nightclub which of course is part of the hotel so they were serving. I couldn't believe how many people were still wandering around the streets with no booze and sporadic rain as well - all that revenue missed by the local establishments, and some fun for the tourists who pay so much to come here to enjoy themselves, and all because of idiotic and confusing rules - the mind boggles. I can only hope that things were somewhat better in Pattaya, where I would have stayed until the end if not for the upcountry GF flying down to see me off. I was out last night and it was business as usual here in Pattaya. 1 2
KWA Posted May 12 Posted May 12 3 hours ago, forcebwithu said: I was out last night and it was business as usual here in Pattaya. Strange one for me. The owner who flip-flopped upthread, and whose last message to me was open as usual, was closed when we went round shortly after 4:00pm. Went elsewhere but then got a message she'd opened, I guess about 6:00pm as if it was election day rules she was using. Of the 6 or 8 bars I could see about half were open. 1
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