Allow alcohol at Buddhist parties

Tourism is one of the most powerful economic levers In many countries. In fact, some places receive so many visitors that cities and whole countries have already begun to take measures to limit massification. Venice is one of the most famous for the different decisions to stop mass tourism. AND Japan will copy that input rate For the foreign visitor.

That influx of tourists is something that other countries seek and seem to not get. Thailand is one of them and, to attract that tourism, it is raising something curious: alcoholic tourism during the Buddhist holidays.

Tourists, come. In Asia, it is curious to see the duality that cities and countries live with tourism. We have commented on the Japanese case, but one of Seoul’s most popular areas also implemented a curious measure a few months ago: Cale touch for tourists. On the other side of the currency, we have North Korea, which has opened to tourism after years of border closure.

Hong Kong also wants to attract foreign money Thanks to multimillionaires influencers And Thailand is also desperate to recover tourism that lost After the Covid-19 pandemic. The impact was strong: a 90% drop in 2021 and an influx that increase gradually since then, but not to the desired rhythm.

Closed bars. For this 2025, Thailand wait recover the Prepandymia figuresbut they have identified something that could hinder tourism and consumption: Buddhism. Specifically, the Buddhist festivities in which the bars close and the sale of alcohol is not allowed. The Government considers that this can stop the foreign tourist whom the religious festival cares little and has stated that alcohol can be sold without stopping.

Spirits. Of course, this decision does not imply an lack of control in the sale of alcoholic beverages, since during the festivities there will only be a series of establishments in which alcohol can be purchased and consumed. Hotels, international airports, night bars and some tourist places seem to be the ideals to open their hands in the sale of spirits during those religious festivities.

Details to clarify, since it is a measure that is in the public hearing phase and that will have to be officially approved by the Minister of Public Health and, obviously, by the Prime Minister, but is already on the table. Among those loose ends we must see what happens with bars at street level, also with restaurants and franchises in commercial and more tourist areas.

Complex balance. As they point in Bloombergthis measure is complex because the government must maintain a balance between local traditions and that search for money from tourism in one of the most powerful countries in the region. From the government, initiatives such as entry without visa are also being implemented for certain tourists and programs that guarantee the medical security of the visitor.

The ‘White Lotus’ effect. Beyond the sale of alcohol during religious parties, recently the country legalized same -sex marriage and has also proposed to attract tourists with greater purchasing power, taking advantage of the fact that it is the stage of the third season of the series ‘The White Lotus’.

It is curious, but the series is so successful that people with a certain purchasing level that they want to emulate the experience in fiction. Part of the series was recorded at the expensive Four Seasons resort Koh Samui hotel, which has had 40% more reservations. Koh Samui has had more hotels, especially by American tourists, and there are companies that are launching Vacation packages inspired by the series about $ 8,000 per person.

It will be interesting to see how the measure of the sale of alcohol will be resolved, since it is an important dilemma between the traditional Thailand and the one that seeks to revitalize its tourism.

Images | Mark Fisher, Witwatarun

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