PHUKET, THAILAND – Chalermpong Saengdee, a member of parliament for the People’s Party, has criticised Thailand’s alcohol-control laws as “outdated and corrupt,” demanding urgent reform after enforcement during Buddhist holidays left businesses and tourists in confusion.
Holiday bans expose patchwork enforcement
The latest flashpoint was the Buddhist observance Wan Ok Pansa on 7 October, when alcohol sales are officially prohibited for many retailers. In practice, enforcement resembled a patchwork: ordinary shops and restaurants closed or halted service, while licensed entertainment venues in tourism zones such as Bangla Road continued to serve alcohol. The inconsistent application has created uncertainty for business owners and visitors alike.
Allegations of bribery and selective targeting
Chalermpong argues the Entertainment Venue Act of 1966 is overly ambiguous and provides scope for selective enforcement. “The law is too open to interpretation and allows officials to target businesses selectively,” he said, adding that vague provisions have become “a tool for illegal gains” as corrupt officers allegedly solicit bribes in exchange for turning a blind eye.
Police confirm implementation problems
Patong Police Chief Colonel Chalermchai Hernsawat acknowledged enforcement difficulties, pointing to overlapping regulations issued by the Interior and Health ministries that create legal grey areas. The Patong police carried out public-awareness activities on 7 October and made no arrests, but many businesses opted to close for 24 hours to avoid risk, inflicting economic harm on a tourism-dependent area.
Proposed decentralisation and clearer rules
Chalermpong proposes amending the law to grant local governments greater authority to designate entertainment zones — for example, airports, hotels and licensed venues — and to clearly exempt convenience stores from restrictions that apply to entertainment establishments. He says such decentralisation would untangle the current situation where a nightclub on Bangla Road can operate while a restaurant a few hundred metres away must close.
Implications for tourism and governance
Lawmakers must balance religious observance and public order with the needs of a modern tourism industry. Critics warn that failing to modernise the legal framework not only undermines business confidence but also risks incentivising corrupt practices. Chalermpong concluded: “It is time to stop using vague laws as tools for corruption and to build a transparent system that supports both tourism and fairness.”