Thailand’s new alcohol laws are being put into action nationwide, but there still seems to be some confusion regarding the limitations, according to Coconuts Bangkok.
Image Credit: Stephen Bowler (Flickr)
The controversial Article 44 states that bars, clubs and shops within a 300 meter radius of schools and colleges must cease serving alcohol.
However, last Monday, Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya attempted to explain the ban, and denied that it prohibits booze sales within 300 meters of educational institutions. Areas of enforcement will become clear in 180 days, he says, when new entertainment zones will be drawn up.
Confused? You’re not alone! As Coconuts Bangkok says: “It’s confusing enough to send one reaching for a bottle of the old amber.”
The President of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association, Thanakorn Kuptajit, is quoted in the Bangkok Post, saying about 125,000 employees could lose their jobs as a result of this ban, and major tourist and shopping zones Sukhumvit and Khao San Road could be affected and become bar free zones.
He also expressed concern that the ban could encourage illegal bribes in exchange for overlooking alcohol sales in prohibited zones.
Bribery and corruption in Thailand has been in the news this week, with the law now taking a tougher stance on those found guilty. Those convicted could face the death penalty if the charges are deemed serious enough.
Exempt to this law are government registered hotels, designated entertainment zones and convenience stores.
For drug offense lawyers in Thailand, contact Chaninat and Leeds for advice before speaking with Police. Drug offenses in Thailand, especially involving importation of narcotics, have very severe penalties.
For many smaller communities across Thailand, the 300 meter ban would mean the entire town is a no drinking zone.
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