Move Forward Party opposes alcohol ban on Buddhist holidays

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 significant Buddhist holidays, arguing that it restricts freedom.

Amarat Chokpamitkul, an MFP executive, expressed her disagreement with the prohibition of alcohol sales on Vesak Day, a holiday that marks the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death, via social media. Amarat stated that the ban on alcohol sales during Buddhist holidays contradicts Thailand’s constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, as people of faith other than Buddhism reside in the country.

Buddhism encourages abstinence from alcohol to avoid recklessness and misconduct. The ban, which does not apply to liquor sales at duty-free shops in airports, imposes penalties of up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to…