Alcohol ban still in effect in Hua Hin due to election, but religious holiday restriction lifted
There has been a major update to the alcohol ban planned for this coming weekend in Hua Hin, with the Thai government announcing that restrictions on alcohol sales for religious holidays have been lifted.
However, an election-related ban will still be enforced from Saturday evening through Sunday.
Voters in Hua Hin will go to the polls on Sunday, 11 May, to elect a new mayor and members of the municipal council. This marks the first local election since Hua Hin was formally upgraded to city status earlier this year.
As a result, the sale, distribution, and serving of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited from 6pm on Saturday, 10 May, until 6pm on Sunday, 11 May. The restriction applies to all retail, wholesale, and online sales, including bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
The ban is being enforced in accordance with Thai election laws, which prohibit the sale of alcohol during voting periods to maintain public order and ensure fair elections.
Earlier, it was anticipated that the alcohol ban would extend through Sunday night due to the overlap with Visakha Bucha Day, a major Buddhist holiday that traditionally includes a nationwide ban on alcohol sales.
However, in a significant policy shift, the Thai government announced on Friday that it has revoked the ban on alcohol sales for religious holidays, effective immediately.
In a formal notice published by the Office of the Prime Minister and signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the government stated that alcohol sales will now be permitted on key Buddhist holidays—including Visakha Bucha Day—within designated tourism zones and legally licensed venues such as hotels, airport terminals, and entertainment establishments. (You can read the official announcement in Thai below.)
While this change removes the religious restriction, the election-related ban remains in place and will still be strictly enforced.
Authorities have reminded the public that violating the alcohol ban during the election period may result in penalties under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008). Offenders face a prison term of up to six months, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
Immigration offices closed Monday
In addition to the alcohol restrictions, government offices, including Immigration, will be closed on Friday, 9 May, for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony public holiday.
Offices will also be closed on Monday, 12 May, in observance of the public holiday following Visakha Bucha Day.
