The closures came during Asarnha Bucha Day yesterday (July 10).
The general ban on the sale of alcohol continues through to midnight tonight as the country marks Khao Phansa today (July 11).
Chalong Police Chief Pol Col Rungrit Rattanaphakdi told The Phuket News, “Only service establishments with the correct license are permitted to sell alcohol.”
The Phuket News questioned Pol Col Rungrit after receiving reports that police in Rawai and Karon were forcing bars and restaurants to close because of the alcohol ban.
Pol Col Rungrit emphasised that restaurants or shops ‒ even those with licenses to sell alcohol ‒ do not automatically fall under the exemption to the alcohol ban.
Meanwhile, Kathu Police Chief Pol Col Pratuang Pholmana added that many venues in his jurisdiction had been ordered to close.
“Other areas are also not permitting operations that resemble entertainment venues. Shops and restaurants remain restricted, and no new announcement from the Ministry of Public Health has lifted this ban,” he said.
He encouraged business operators to directly consult local police stations for clarity.
Operators in Kathu could clarify whether they were permitted to sell alcohol by calling Kathu Police Station at 076-323300, Pol Col Pratuang said.
Alternatively, Pol Col Pratuang invited operators to call him directly at 089-1953939.
Pol Col Pratuang further clarified that having a license to sell alcohol as a restaurant or being permitted to operate until midnight does not qualify a venue to sell alcohol during the religious holidays.
Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police today re-confirmed.to The Phuket News the exemption to the alcohol ban: “Only service establishments with proper licenses issued under the Service Establishment Act are allowed,” he said.
Maj Gen Sinlert detailed the exemptions to the alcohol ban on Tuesday.
Chalong Police Chief Pol Col Rungrit explained that Vice Governor Adul Chuthong on Wednesday (July 9) issued an official notice outlining strict enforcement of national regulations prohibiting alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays such as Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asarnha Bucha Day, Khao Pansa Day, and Wan Org Pansa.
Sales exceptions are allowed only in specific cases, including: passenger terminals within international airports, licensed service establishments under the Service Establishment Act, hotels licensed under the Hotel Act, and locations hosting national or international special events with prior approval.
The notice instructed local leaders and police to inform all businesses that are not exempted by the law ‒ including restaurants, shops, convenience stores and venues that resemble entertainment places ‒ that they must halt all alcohol sales on July 10-11.
Violations are subject to penalties under Section 39 of the Alcohol Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551, which include fines up to B10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, the notice warned.