The government’s ban on alcohol sales on significant Buddhism-related holidays has been denounced by influential members of the Move Forward Party ( MFP ), which claims that it restricts freedom.
Amarat Chokpamitkul, an MFP professional, voiced her opposition to the restrictions on Vesak Day, which honors the Buddha’s delivery, revolution, and passing, on social media.
Because the government’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and because people of other faiths besides Buddhism live in Thailand, Ms. Amarat wrote that she disagreed with the restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages on time associated with Buddhism.
In order to avoid carelessness and misbehavior, Buddhism advises people to abstain from drinking beer. The restrictions, which exempts alcohol sales from duty-free stores at airports, punishes offenders with a maximum prison sentence of six months and / or fines of up to 10,000 baht.
According to Ms. Amarat, such a ban was uncommon in other nations, and authorities should instead enact various measures to regulate alcohol consumption, like the enforcement of drink-driving laws.
According to Ms. Amarat, the nation has adherents of other religions and supports religious liberty.
Thaopipop Limjitakon, a Bangkok Move Forward MP-elect who previously proposed legislation to break the liquor drink industry’s monopoly, wrote that imposing the ban on alcohol sales on the basis of religious convictions violates the constitution regarding freedom of religion and occupation.