The police emphasize a 48-hour ban on alcohol sales during Asalha Puja and Buddhist Lent Days, except in legally exempted venues. Violators face penalties of up to 6 months imprisonment, fines up to 10,000 baht, or both. Authorities are also coordinating efforts to manage accidents during the extended holiday period.
On 27 July 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpan, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, speaking as the Royal Thai Police spokesperson, revealed that Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpetch, the Police Commissioner, has ordered all police units nationwide to prepare integrated plans to prevent and suppress crime and reduce road accidents during the extended public holidays. These include 28 July, the King's birthday; 29 July, Asalha Puja Day; and 30 July, Buddhist Lent Day, which are important Buddhist holidays.
The Police Commissioner has directed readiness in crime prevention and suppression, maintaining public order, and facilitating traffic smoothly and efficiently. For crime control measures, police across all areas are instructed to intensify enforcement by increasing patrols, inspections, and joint operations with local administration, volunteers, and partner networks. There will be heightened scrutiny of suspicious vehicles to search for firearms, weapons, explosives, drugs, and other illegal items.
Furthermore, enforcement will be stepped up against offenses involving property crimes potentially occurring in residences, transportation hubs, tourist sites, hotels, and accommodations. Efforts will also focus on preventing theft of agricultural equipment, electrical devices, communication cables, and cracking down on illegal street racing or reckless driving that endangers others, as well as on gatherings likely to lead to street racing activities.
The Royal Thai Police spokesperson stated that all types of retail outlets—including community stores, convenience stores, department stores, restaurants selling alcoholic beverages, as well as entertainment venues and similar establishments—are prohibited from selling any alcoholic drinks nationwide for 48 hours, from 00:00 on 29 July 2026 until 24:00 on 30 July 2026. Exceptions apply only to locations legally exempted. Violations are punishable under Section 39 of the Alcohol Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008), with penalties of up to 6 months imprisonment, fines up to 10,000 baht, or both.
Additionally, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong said the Police Commissioner has ordered all police units to facilitate traffic and prevent road accidents from 25 July to 2 August 2026. The Highway Police Division is assigned as the main body to manage traffic on major highways and will consider opening reversible lanes where necessary. They will coordinate closely with provincial police and relevant agencies to respond promptly to accidents, emergencies, or heavy traffic congestion.
All police stations are instructed to deploy traffic police, highway police, and volunteer traffic officers to key intersections, tourist spots, religious sites, transport terminals, and areas with heavy traffic flow. They will organize parking, manage traffic flow, and be ready to assist the public with vehicle breakdowns, accidents, or emergencies to ensure travel returns to normal as quickly as possible.
Members of the public seeking route information, reporting incidents, or requesting assistance can contact the Highway Police hotline at 1193, Traffic Police hotline at 1197, or the Royal Thai Police hotlines at 191 and 1599, available 24 hours a day.
. Royal Thai Policeposted a message stating, "Alcohol sales are prohibited for 48 hours on Asalha Puja Day, 29 July 2026, continuing through Buddhist Lent Day, 30 July 2026. All types of alcoholic beverages are banned from sale except at legally exempted locations."
On Asalha Puja and Buddhist Lent Days, all types of alcoholic beverages are prohibited from sale for 48 hours, from 00:01 on 29 July 2026 until 24:00 on 30 July 2026, except for sales at venues exempted under the law (reference: Prime Minister’s Office announcement on alcohol sales prohibition days B.E. 2568 [2025]).
1. International airports – passenger service buildings serving international flights.
2. Licensed entertainment venues – establishments such as pubs and bars holding licenses under the Entertainment Venue Act.
3. Establishments operating similarly to entertainment venues located in or near tourist areas as designated by the Minister of Public Health, based on recommendations from the Minister of Interior.
4. Hotels as defined under the Hotel Act.
5. Venues hosting national or international special events with large attendance, as specified by the Minister of Public Health upon advice from the Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Violators face imprisonment up to 6 months, fines up to 10,000 baht, or both. To report incidents or request assistance, call 191 or 1599 anytime. This message is from the Royal Thai Police with best regards.
Information provided by the Royal Thai Police.