No alcohol sales this weekend

Post by **Wanderlust** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 12:24 pm

Just a reminder to some, and a 'heads up' to others that due to the Thai elections this weekend alcohol sales are banned on both Saturday and Sunday (apparently). This happens for every election, and the official reason given is so that the turnout is maximised, as well as ensuring safer roads as people travel to their province to vote. Bit of a pain for us non voting farangs but there you go - it has already caused the postponement of the pub quiz at Dick's Office which was scheduled for this Sunday, 2nd April; it will now take place on 9th April instead.

Post by **Bamboo Grove** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 12:35 pm

I think the ban starts on Saturday at 18.00. Not 100% sure about this, though. Can anybody confirm. I just wonder where to watch premierleague this weekend.

Thu Mar 30, 2006 12:36 pm

Stock up for the week end !....the party is at Wanderlust house !!!

Post by **Wanderlust** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 12:47 pm

I'm sure that if a farang bar did an old style British 'lock in', that is the doors are closed and no one can see in, then they could quite legitimately claim that it is a private party; seeing as the law is aimed at Thais I can't see the MIB wanting to do much about it, except claim their 500 baht for passing Go...

Post by **PeteC** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 3:32 pm

I've talked to many Thai's over the past few weeks about the election and all I get is a smile and comment, "no one is going to vote...", regardless of the threat of losing their voting rights in the future. I think there will be a lot of house parties going on this weekend in Thai housholds all over the country. Pete

Post by **lomuamart** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 3:46 pm

Not sure of what the exact timings are, but I always used to reckon on the following.
The authorities would always "ask for your co-operation" in not selling alcohol for notable regal and religious occasions.
During elections, both provincial and national, it's the law.

Post by **Big Boy** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 5:00 pm

You cannot be serious! I arrive on 1 Apr 06 - is this somebody's idea of an April Fools joke?

JW · Post by JW » Thu Mar 30, 2006 5:09 pm

I know several bar owners got hit for fairly hefty fines last election, even with the doors closed. But you can bet your bottom dollar that many thais will be drunker than s*** over the period. Samo old thing - tell someone not to do something and look what happens.
Blame the pm for your lack of drink this weekend Big Boy, plenty of time after that!

Post by **Big Boy** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 6:38 pm

The PM's corruption I can live - probably no different to a lot of leaders; but no beer for 2 days...............................that's serious

Post by **lomuamart** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 6:59 pm

Big Boy wrote:The PM's corruption I can live - probably no different to a lot of leaders; but no beer for 2 days...............................that's serious

I'll give you a better one, Big Boy.
About 7 years ago when I had my bar, the idiots called either a general, or provincial, election on the 24/25Dec!! (I'm pretty sure it was a provincial thing).
Great forward planning by the powers that be.
TIT and this is HH!! There were more than a few bemused tourists trying to celebrate Xmas and wandering around aimlessly. Tourist town?

Post by **bj.blackowitz** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 7:25 pm

Big Boy wrote:The PM's corruption I can live - probably no different to a lot of leaders; but no beer for 2 days...............................that's serious

get a bottle of booze tax free. That will solve alot of problems!

Post by **Big Boy** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 7:40 pm

Don't worry guys, I've already been on to my daughter who lives in Hua Hin - she's going to make sure the fridge is full of beer for my arrival.

Still don't know what I'm going to do on the 2nd though

Post by **Burger** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 8:50 pm

Is it just me or does anyone else actually enjoy these establishment 'closures' ?
You go out, it's like a ghost town, and you have to actually make an effort to find somewhere to have a beer. There are always a couple of places who take the risk and serve, you just have to track them down. Last time they had one, we had to drink Heineken out of tea cups, quite amusing really.
Don't be put off chaps, just get out there and follow your noses.

Burger

Post by **MartinJ** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 8:59 pm

About the beer not being on sale? What happens to all the Bars and Girls They get days of??

and what do they do and where do they go?

Just making me think

Guess they have to vote too

Post by **PeteC** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 9:08 pm

Burger wrote:There are always a couple of places who take the risk and serve, you just have to track them down. Last time they had one, we had to drink Heineken out of tea cups...Burger

Yes, you're correct, over here also. Not bars but small food shops/Thai restaurants. They will give you a beer in a beer condom with a pa yen (wet towel) wrapped around it, with the comment......if you see the boys in brown, put it down on the bench/chair 'till they pass. Pete