Prominent members of the Move Forward Party (MFP), which recently claimed victory in elections, have voiced their disagreement with the Thai government’s ban on alcohol sales during important Buddhist holidays, arguing that it restricts freedom.
Ingredients , an MFP executive, expressed her disagreement with the prohibition of alcohol sales on Vesak Day, a vacation that marks the Buddha’s start, enlightenment, and death, via social media. Amarat acknowledged that the ban on alcohol gross sales throughout Buddhist holidays contradicts Thailand’s structure, which ensures freedom of religion, as individuals of faith other than Buddhism reside in the nation.
Buddhism encourages abstinence from alcohol to avoid recklessness and misconduct. The ban, which doesn’t apply to liquor sales at duty-free retailers in airports, imposes penalties of as much as six months in prison and/or a nice of up to 10,000 baht for violations.
Amarat suggested that authorities ought to implement alternative measures to manage alcohol consumption, such as implementing drink-driving laws, as such bans are uncommon in different international locations. She stated that Thailand is home to followers of various religions and helps freedom of spiritual belief, Bangkok Post reported.
Thaopipop Limjitakon, a Bangkok Move Forward MP-elect who previously proposed legislation to end the alcohol industry’s monopoly, argued that the alcohol sales ban based on religious perception infringes on the constitutional freedoms of faith and occupation.
Songkran Pakchokdee, director of the Stop Drink network, stated that the alcohol gross sales ban aligns with the World Health Organization’s guideline, which states that prohibiting alcohol sales on religious days is an efficient, low-cost measure to regulate entry to alcoholic beverages. He said…
“The measure is intended to restrict access to the sources of alcohol sales, not to infringe on the rights of drinkers because you possibly can retailer your drinks at home..