NEWS
THAILAND TO BAN ALCOHOL FOR 24 HOURS FROM 6PM TOMORROW AMID LOCAL ELECTIONS
By Susan Lewis
18-12-2020
Credit: David Mathews
Alcohol sale and consumption in public areas will be banned from 6pm tomorrow until 6pm Sunday as voters in Thailand go to the polls to elect members of municipal councils across the country.
Breaking the alcohol ban during the 24 hours carries hefty punishment of up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to bt10,000 (USD336).
Bars, nightclubs and other entertainment venues can remain open, but they are prohibited from selling alcohol, while consumption of alcohol at private homes is allowed.
Thailand revised its Election Act in September 2018 to include alcohol prohibition during elections to prevent voting manipulations.
Thai politicians used to throw parties or hand out goodie bags including alcohol on election day to canvass for votes.
Voters in all Thai provinces will elect members of their municipal councils this Sunday 20 December. Polling stations up and down the country will open from 8am to 5pm on the day.
Voting is compulsory for Thai citizens. Though failing to cast ballot does not result in a fine, it could cause a voter to lose certain citizen’s rights including running for offices.
(the writer can be contacted at: info@thewinechronicle.com)
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
**IF YOU THINK THE WINE CHRONICLE IS WORTH SUPPORTING, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO HELP US IMPROVE AND CONTINUE OUR WORK**
TRENDING│ FOCUS│ MISSION│ ABOUT US│ CONTACT
| 