Pattaya nightlife businesses welcome the new regulation allowing alcohol sales on major Buddhist holidays, a move that boosts tourism and offers more options for visitors. PATTAYA, Thailand – After two decades of waiting, Pattaya’s nightlife businesses are celebrating a significant change. The Royal Gazette officially published a new regulation on May 9, allowing alcohol sales during major Buddhist holidays, starting with Visakha Bucha Day. This update to the Prime Minister’s Office announcement has been eagerly anticipated by local business owners. Alcohol can now be sold on days such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, Khao Phansa (the beginning of Buddhist Lent), and Ok Phansa (the end of Buddhist Lent). However, the sales are permitted only in designated areas, including airports, licensed hotels, legal entertainment venues, and tourism-related businesses. For the past 20 years, the ban on alcohol sales during these important religious days has impacted the Pattaya entertainment sector, especially at a time when tourist numbers have been declining. Now, many local business owners see this new development as a welcome boost for tourism, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the city’s nightlife without interruption. Damrongkiat Pinitkarn, the executive of Hollywood Pattaya, expressed his excitement over the change, calling it a long-awaited victory for entertainment businesses. He emphasized that this decision would stimulate the tourism sector and help generate more income for local businesses and workers. He also praised the government for supporting the industry during challenging times, ensuring a better experience for tourists and boosting the overall economy. In terms of safety and responsible service, Damrongkiat highlighted that operators would continue to enforce strict measures to protect the public, including checking the ages of patrons, as the law prohibits selling alcohol to anyone under 20. Regular inspections from the police and local authorities will also remain in place. To address concerns about drinking and driving, operators plan to offer breathalyzer checks for guests and arrange designated driver services or provide rides to ensure safe travel after enjoying their night out. While many are celebrating the newfound freedom, there are still calls for further changes, particularly regarding the 5 PM alcohol sales restriction, which has long been a point of contention. Hotel and restaurant operators argue that lifting this restriction would enhance the tourist experience. They suggest that the rule, which prevents alcohol sales in the late afternoon and evening, leaves tourists confused and disappointed when they visit Thailand, especially when similar rules are not in place in other countries. Government maintains strict regulations such as age restrictions, drugs, and weapons, as Pattaya nightlife operators express gratitude for new alcohol law, balancing safety and tourism growth. Lisa Hamilton, President of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, revealed that the announcement to lift the ban on alcohol sales during major Buddhist holidays will result in an increase in tourists choosing to visit Pattaya. In the past, during Buddhist holidays, tourists would find that many establishments were closed, leaving them with no place to relax or enjoy themselves. However, with this new policy, the government has truly addressed the needs of a tourist city, benefiting both tourists and business owners. Additionally, operators will no longer face confusion about when to open or close for alcohol sales. In terms of safety, business owners have always maintained strict measures, continuously campaigning for responsibility. With the new regulation allowing alcohol sales on these holidays, ensuring safety and managing public welfare will not be a challenge for operators, who have always complied with government regulations on issues such as age restrictions, drugs, and weapons. She also expressed her gratitude to the government for listening to the concerns of nightlife business operators. Foreign tourists have also welcomed the change. A French tourist shared his thoughts, expressing relief that the government had lifted the ban on alcohol sales during major Buddhist holidays. As someone who does not follow the Buddhist faith, he said he often felt confused and frustrated by the restrictions when many establishments would close early. With the new law in place, he feels more comfortable and confident about enjoying his holiday in Pattaya without worrying about limited nightlife options. The lifting of alcohol restrictions during Buddhist holidays is seen as a positive step for the tourism and hospitality sectors in Pattaya. While the government has taken care to address safety and public welfare, the focus now is on how the law will continue to evolve to support the growth of Thailand’s tourism industry.