Patpong, Cowboy, Pattaya Bars Will Be Open May 11 as New Booze Ban Law Takes Effect

For the first time, Pattaya and Bangkok bars will be open on a Buddhist holiday in Thailand.

Publication of a new Alcohol Control Act in the Royal Gazette on May 9 finally allowed for booze to be sold in limited circumstances on the five major Buddhist holidays, including Visakha Bucha Day on May 11.

Bars will be open, but the relaxed law states that alcohol sales will be limited to international airports, registered hotels, officially licensed entertainment establishments, venues associated with tourism in designated tourist zones, and venues hosting significant national or international events.

The Public Health, Interior and Tourism and Sports did not immediately publish their list of approved locations, so that set off immediate speculation – and more than a light amount of involvement by police – as to which bars will be open Sunday.

Bangkok, Pattaya Bars Will Be Open

As of Saturday night, all Patpong – including standouts Bada Bing and Radio City – bars will be open. On Soi Cowboy, both Suzie Wong and Baccara bars will be open, ownership confirmed. How many more bars will be open on the Neon Alley was unknown.

The biggest surprise is that, at least as of 9 p.m. Saturday, Nana Plaza said it will remain closed.

In Pattaya, Walking Street operators immediately said their bars will be open. Then police in Sin City gave the go ahead for the entire city’s nightlife industry to open.

The GentsClubs.com group had originally planned to close all its 10 bars but, with the exception of local election-impacted Maggie May Darkside and The Badger, all the bars will now be open from 1 p.m. as normal.

Nightlife Operators Thrilled

The nightlife and hospitality sectors have warmly welcomed the easing of restrictions, viewing it as a critical step toward reviving Thailand’s tourism and nightlife economy.

In Pattaya, operators expressed optimism and excitement over the long-awaited policy shift. Damrongkiat Pinijkan, the manager of Hollywood Pattaya nightclub, called the change “a game-changer,” emphasizing its potential to significantly boost visitor numbers and tourism revenue, particularly during traditionally slow holiday periods.

Lisa Hamilton, president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, echoed these sentiments, stating the move would eliminate confusion surrounding holiday operating hours and help attract more tourists. Hamilton emphasized that Pattaya’s nightlife venues had always prioritized strict safety and compliance measures and would continue to uphold these standards under the new law.

Criticism and Concerns Raised

However, the policy has also sparked criticism from various quarters, with politicians, public health experts, and religious groups voicing opposition. People’s Party MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn expressed concerns that the law does not fully lift existing bans, instead selectively allowing sales at approved locations. He warned businesses to carefully follow all regulations to avoid potential legal issues.

A survey conducted by Thailand’s Department of Disease Control found that 61% of respondents oppose alcohol sales during major Buddhist holidays. The Stop Drink Network Thailand highlighted similar concerns, arguing that relaxing the alcohol ban could lead to increased social and health problems and undermine existing public health measures designed to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Further Conditions and Implementation

Additional details outlined by the government indicate that venues allowed to serve alcohol during religious holidays must clearly display signage confirming their approved status. This requirement is intended to provide transparency for both customers and enforcement officers, ensuring compliance with the strict conditions stipulated by the authorities.

Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub noted that the adjustment aligns with the objectives of Thailand’s “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign. The initiative aims to revive and significantly boost the nation’s tourism sector following years of economic impacts due to global factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

Houngsub emphasized that the measured relaxation of alcohol restrictions will directly support this broader economic and tourism strategy.

Monitoring and Future Developments

As Thailand enters this new phase of nightlife management on religious holidays, authorities will be closely monitoring compliance and impact. The Public Health Ministry, alongside relevant enforcement agencies, plans to maintain vigilant oversight to swiftly address any violations or issues arising from the change.

The long-term effects of this significant shift in alcohol policy remain to be seen, with analysts and industry experts closely watching for changes in tourism patterns, economic activity, and public sentiment.

While nightlife operators view the change positively, the broader public debate around balancing economic growth with cultural and religious sensitivities will likely continue.

With the first holiday under the new law, Visakha Bucha Day, taking place on May 11, authorities and business owners alike will have their first real test of the policy’s practical application.

Whether this relaxation marks the start of a broader trend towards liberalization or remains a carefully controlled exception will depend largely on the outcomes observed during this initial implementation period.