As such, areas holding municipal elections will face in total a 30-hour ban on the sale of alcohol over the weekend.
Areas in Phuket to be affected by the municipal elections include Phuket Town, Ratsada, Wichit, Rawai, Chalong, Karon, Patong, Pa Khlok and Kathu.
Srisoonthorn, Cherng Talay and Thepkrasattri will also see an alcohol ban, but only in the areas administered by the local municipality (tessabaan).
Areas administered by tambon administration organisations, such as Kamala, Koh Kaew and Mai Khao ‒ and some areas in Srisoonthorn, Cherng Talay and Thepkrasattri ‒ will not be affected by the election alcohol ban.
According to the Phuket branch of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket), the alcohol ban for the election is in accordance with election laws and is aimed at maintaining public order during the voting process.
Alcohol is banned on the night before election day because of what Thais call ‘Kun Ma Horn’, or ‘Night of the Howling Dogs’, often marked by last-minute vote-buying.
It’s the final chance for candidates to gain support, with some going door-to-door offering money to voters.
In the past, alcohol was also used to buy votes, which is why laws now ban parties and entertainment events to prevent unfair advantages.
For some candidates, it’s a desperate, high-stakes rush to turn the tide or make one last attempt before the polls open.
The municipal elections will take place from 8am to 5pm on Sunday, with voters across the island selecting mayors and municipal council members.
A separate alcohol ban for Visakha Bucha Day also will be enforced from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday, confirmed Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum.
“No alcohol sales will be permitted in observance of the religious holiday,’ he told The Phuket News.
Violators who sell alcohol during the prohibited hours may face penalties of up to six months in prison, a fine of up to B10,000, or both, Maj Gen Sinlert warned.
Visakha Bucha Day is a significant Buddhist holiday celebrating the three major events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment and death.
With both a religious holiday and a major civic event coinciding on the same day, Maj Gen Sinlert emphasised the importance of respecting the alcohol sales ban and participating in the democratic process.
With Visakha Bucha Day this year being observed on a Sunday, all government offices will be closed on Monday (May 12) as the country observes the national substitution day public holiday.