Shops and clubs flout Buddhist Lent

[Khun Don]

Shops and clubs flout Buddhist Lent
The Nation August 4, 2012 1:00 am

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Despite awareness campaigns and legal actions against alcohol sales during the beginning of Buddhist Lent, stores were illegally selling liquor. There was even a new type of alcoholic drink launched on Asalha Bucha Day, the Office of Alcohol Control said yesterday.

An unnamed store in Ubon Ratchathani is faced with a possible daily fine of Bt50,000 in addition to liability for six months in prison for selling booze on the prohibited days, said OAC director Dr Samarn Footrakool.

Also in the northeastern province, a small shop was found to be selling alcohol and another shop had a drawing for liquor, both in violation of the 2007 antialcohol law, Samarn said.

On Thursday - Asalha Bucha Day and the beginning of Buddhist Lent - a club in Bangkok's RCA nightlifeentertainment zone launched a new cocktail. The unnamed drink was mixed with coffee and offered to young drinkers, according to advertising available during the launch party, Samarn said.

The new beverage prompts concern among authorities about the possible introduction of more alcoholic drinks mixed with vitamins, energy supplements or purported healthboosting substances, which makes suppression of them more difficult.

[Curt]

Anyone familiar with Thailand can buy 24/7/365. This is, after all, THAILAND!

What I always find amusing is that such a pious society finds it necessary to pass such a law. After all, isn't it only foreigners who disrespect the Thais' religion?

On Thursday - Asalha Bucha Day and the beginning of Buddhist Lent - a club in Bangkok's RCA nightlifeentertainment zone launched a new cocktail. The unnamed drink was mixed with coffee and offered to young drinkers, according to advertising available during the launch party, Samarn said.

Many years ago, a national beverage trade publication was promoting "Hereford Cows", a milk based alcoholic beverage. They pointed out that its milkshake flavor would help create a new market from those who don't like the taste of alcohol. Years later, when new legislation on the advertising of booze was proposed, the liquor industry insisted that their advertising was aimed garnering their share of the existing market, not creating a new one.

I wish I had saved that magazine!