Makha Bucha is observed each year on the full moon of the third lunar month, commemorating a significant event in Buddhism.
The day marks the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 monks, seven months after the Buddha began teaching, to hear his sermon without prior arrangement.
On this occasion, the Buddha ordained them and imparted core Buddhist principles: refraining from evil, doing good, and purifying the mind. This moment played a crucial role in shaping Buddhist teachings.
In the morning, many Thais make merit by offering alms to monks. In the evening, people gather at temples to hear sermons and join the ‘Wien Tien’ ceremony, walking around the temple three times with flowers, incense and a candle.
Wat Chalong, Wat Phra Thong, Wat Khao Rang, Wat Mai Luang Pu Supha and Wat Srisoonthorn are popular temples to visit on Makha Bucha.
By law, alcohol sales will be banned for 24 hours on Wednesday, from midnight Tuesday to midnight Wednesday. Phuket police typically enforce this rule by patrolling to ensure compliance.
The alcohol ban was introduced by law on Jan 22, 2015, under an announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
It applies to five religious holidays: Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha, Khao Pansa, and Wan Org Pansa. Violating the ban can result in up to six months in prison, a B10,000 fine, or both.
Of note, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra late last year issued a new regulation allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages every day at international passenger terminals at major international airports.
The announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on Christmas Day and took effect on Dec 26.
The reason for the change was given “in order to make it more appropriate and consistent with the current changing situation”.
The wording of the announcement on Dec 25 is very specific, allowing the sale of alcohol “in passenger terminals within airports that provide international flights”.
The wording leaves the ban on the sale of alcohol still in place in areas outside the passenger terminals at international airports.
Meanwhile, all government offices, including Immigration, District Offices, and the Department of Land Transportation, will be closed on Makha Bucha day.
Major bank branches will also close, but some in shopping malls will remain open.
Thailand Post and its kiosks will operate as usual. Hospitals will provide emergency and regular treatments, but non-essential services like weight loss and skincare will be unavailable. Royal Thai Police, Tourist Police stations, and some consulates will remain open.