Alcohol Ban on Valentine’s Day that coincides with Makha Bucha Day

If you were planning on celebrating Valentine’s Day with your loved one by having a few cold beers on the beach then you will have to change your plans. On the 14^th of February Thailand will be celebrating Makha Bucha Day, one of four religious holidays in Thailand and by lay alcohol sales and purchases are banned throughout the kingdom.

Bar and nightclubs have been notified of the ban that will go into effect at sunrise on Friday until sunrise on Saturday, however you can legally purchase alcohol on the 13^th of February. Officer have been assigned to enforce the ban and the punishment for breaking the law is a prison sentence of up to six months and, or a 10,000 baht fine.

Makha Bucha day marks the significant day nine months after the Buddha’s enlightenment when 1,250 disciples arrived, unplanned to meet him.

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