The Great Thai Beer Ban - The Curse of Thailand’s Public Holidays

Let me tell you, with at least partial sincerity, that there is nothing on this Earth more foul to an Englishman, who has flown from one end of the world to the other, than to be told upon arrival that: “...there's no beer available in Thailand!”. Or any alcohol for that matter, anywhere. Not a drop to be had. And I know what you’re thinking. Let’s face it. Us English are known the world over for it. We’ll travel all the way to the end of the world, and instead of diving in and absorbing the local culture, all we really want to do is drink. And cause mischief.

And while I wouldn’t like to consider myself to be, a ‘typical’ Englishman, being more of a lover, than a fighter. After thirty hours of non-stop travel. From bus, to coach, to plane, and then back to bus. With plenty of waiting around in-between, all I really wanted was a drink. Or two. Before getting some much needed sleep.

The culture would have to wait.

Picture it, after finally reaching Pattaya, after checking into a cheap hotel, after making some minimal effort to make myself look presentable, and after dragging my weary bones out in search of a nearby bar, the last thing I wanted, or needed, my friends, was to be offered a glass of watered down Coca-Cola, and Cola only. As beer, for some reason unknown to me at this point, was unfortunately, off the menu. 

And there was no respite at the Seven-Elevens either, or the locally owned stores, where fridges were boarded up, and the Thai whisky behind the counter was deemed off-limits. So was I to be expected to drift off to the land of nod without so much as a single sip in my belly this night? Unfortunately, my friends, and with some disappointment, the answer to this question was “yes”. It was a sad first day in the land of smiles indeed.

But I jest of course, to some degree. Because despite all evidence given above to the contrary, I am able to make it through a day or two without an alcoholic beverage inside me. But I was still left curious as to why, and for what reason, in this country that is considered, for right or for wrong, to be something of a party capital of the world, alcohol was unavailable. Both on the day of my arrival, and as I would find out later, on several other days during my visit. And as it turned out, my vacation had been poorly timed, having arrived upon, and been interspersed with, a number of Thai public holidays. Upon which, the sale of alcohol, is often prohibited by law.

You won't be getting any of this... :(

When is Alcohol Banned in Thailand?

While it can be difficult to plan for it, alcohol is banned in Thailand on, and for, a number of special occasions. Such as public holidays, the King, and Queens birthday, and most notably, on, and during, the run-up to elections.

Thailand Public Holidays

In the average year, and excluding any elections that may, or may not occur, you can expect to find yourself with a dry throat, and no way to quench your thirst, on the following days:

January 1st - New Years Day 
February 18th - Makha Bucha (commemorates the day when 1250 disciples gathered to listen to Buddha elaborate some of his most important teachings in a sermon).
April 6th - Chakri Day (commemorating the founding of the Chakri Dynasty).
May 1st - Labour Day
May 5th - Coronation Day
May 17th - Visakha Bucha (commeorating the birth of enlightenment, and entry into nirvana of the Buddha).
July 1st - Mid Year Holiday
July 15th - Asahara Bucha - (Beginning of the Buddhist Lent).
August 12th - The Queen’s birthday.
October 23rd - Chulalongkorn Day (Commemorating the day the King Chulalongkorn).
December 5th - the King’s birthday
December 10th - Constitution day.
December 31st - New years eve.

Any, and all of which may (and probably will) experience some form of alcohol ban. Be it day long, or a partial ban, such as those implemented on New Years Eve in recent years, during which the sale of alcohol is restricted to within certain hours.

How to avoid being left high and dry without a drink in Thailand:

If you absolutely, positively, know that you’re going to need a drink shortly after touch down in Thailand, and don’t want to take the risk of having an empty glass. Slip a bottle of something into your suitcase, and take it with you.

Hotel mini-bars are usually unaffected. So if you’re booked into an at least semi-decent hotel, you should find at least a bottle or two of beer in there, and perhaps some Thai whisky.

It’s fair to say that money talks in Thailand. And if you’re persistent enough, and speak to the right people. It’s likely that you’ll find a bar somewhere off the beaten track, away from the eyes of the police, that will, despite the ban, still be serving...

Happy travels.