Banks, offices will be closed
This year, Makha Bucha Day (Buddhist All Saints Day) falls on Monday, February 25. Government offices, banks and many businesses will be closed. It is also illegal to sell or distribute alcohol on important religious holidays in Thailand.
This year, Makha Bucha Day (Buddhist All Saints Day) falls on Monday, February 25. Government offices, banks and many businesses will be closed.
This holy day commemorates the miraculous event when 1,250 disciples of the Buddha, Gautama Sakayamuni, traveled to meet with the Buddha with no prearranged agreement, at Weluwan Mahawiharn Temple in the area of Rachakhryha, India.
Devout Buddhists are expected to turn out in the thousands at local temples to conduct religious ceremonies.
Reminder: In 2009 the Prime Minister’s Office issued a no alcohol edict, banning the sale of alcohol on important religious holidays.
The Notification of the Office of the Prime Minister RE: Determination of Days of Prohibition of Alcoholic Beverage Sales (No. 2) B.E. 2552 (A.D. 2009), signed by then Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, specifically prohibits the sale of alcohol on Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalaha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent holidays.
On Monday, Feb. 25, it is against the law for businessmen to distribute alcohol. This includes bars and restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, and community retail stores. An amendment to the decree exempts hotels from the ban.
Those caught breaking the law can face up to six months in jail and fines up to 10,000 baht.
