Has anyone been in Bangkok during a Buddhist holiday and no alcohol?

I’ve heard that all the bars are closed next week on Thursday as they are not allowed to serve alcohol?!

Do the GoGo bars all close?

Do hotels stop serving too?

Expect that the GoGo bars will close.

Hotels will likely continue to serve.

Further, it occurs at the stroke of midnight as the date changes to the next day/holiday.

Surprise! Everything closed - lights out.

The next day the reverse happens also at midnight. A slow reawakening.

57 minutes ago, t0oL1 said:

also at midnight. A slow reawakening.

Sounds like me...I'm like a vampire 🧛‍♀️

2 hours ago, floridarob said:

Sounds like me...I'm like a vampire 🧛‍♀️

and they say vampires are scary, it can't be

It's an interesting night to be there, I've been there twice on this occasion.

No bars or alcohol anywhere, I never enquired at the hotel, I'm not really there to drink... I just used it as a rest and relaxation night

Didn't think about this when I booked my trip.

I will arrive in Bangkok coming Monday, so I will also be there on Wednesday night and Thursday.

 

11 hours ago, t0oL1 said:

Further, it occurs at the stroke of midnight as the date changes to the next day/holiday.

Surprise! Everything closed - lights out.

The next day the reverse happens also at midnight. A slow reawakening.

So if I understand correct, on Wednesday evening the bars will be open only till midnight. Good to know, if I go to a bar that I have to make my choice of the "boy of the day" early...  And on Thursday evening, will most (gogo) bars stay closed or would they actually open up at midnight? Also; we still have the apps to go boy hunting if bars are closed anyway....

5 hours ago, Tawan Forever said:

It's an interesting night to be there, I've been there twice on this occasion.

No bars or alcohol anywhere, I never enquired at the hotel, I'm not really there to drink... I just used it as a rest and relaxation night

best day to secure boy(s) while avoiding off fees. 

I usually arrange  it day or two before. And make sure my fridge is stocked with Chang. 

12 minutes ago, emiel1981 said:

 And on Thursday evening, will most (gogo) bars stay closed or would they actually open up at midnight?

I wouldn't count on it but some may be opened. Better act in advance.

And remember massage boys are available just like every day.

It seems that I chose a very bad time to arrive in Pattaya next Wed and it's my first trip there 😅

20 minutes ago, Foolish said:

It seems that I chose a very bad time to arrive in Pattaya next Wed and it's my first trip there 😅

Find a new friend on Wednesday.
They can show you fun things to do on Thursday. Probably the beach, Jomtien Soi 12. 
Purchasing alcohol isn't allowed, but consumption is no issue. There is always fun to be had.
Thursday you will have no problem at the beach or some bars getting served booze, they will just be discreet about it.

Having said all this, ask a local expat (probably not a pensioner) and you can buy alcohol or anything else you need. It's Pattaya, anything goes. 

2 hours ago, gayinpattaya said:

Purchasing alcohol isn't allowed,

Just look for what Americans call a 'mom and pop shop'  --- almost certain to be open and selling alcohol.
I once went to my local for a few beers but said to the lady "I'll hang on a moment, there a policeman on his motorbike outside."
She replied "Don't worry, he also buys his beer here".

OR send a motor bike taxi to buy for you.

4 hours ago, gayinpattaya said:

Find a new friend on Wednesday.
They can show you fun things to do on Thursday. Probably the beach, Jomtien Soi 12. 

You offering....?
I'll be there next month btw....what's your mood these days 🤷‍♂️

Thanks for all your replies! 

Will be interesting to experience it I guess. 

x

11 hours ago, gayinpattaya said:

Find a new friend on Wednesday.
They can show you fun things to do on Thursday. Probably the beach, Jomtien Soi 12. 
Purchasing alcohol isn't allowed, but consumption is no issue. There is always fun to be had.
Thursday you will have no problem at the beach or some bars getting served booze, they will just be discreet about it.

Having said all this, ask a local expat (probably not a pensioner) and you can buy alcohol or anything else you need. It's Pattaya, anything goes. 

Haha I'm not really much of a drinker so no alcohol is ok with me. It's just kinda disappointing that the bars would be closed on Thurs cos I love watching the shows there 😕

3 minutes ago, Foolish said:

Haha I'm not really much of a drinker so no alcohol is ok with me. It's just kinda disappointing that the bars would be closed on Thurs cos I love watching the shows there 😕

find two guys  who will do show for you. Once two Tawan boys upon learning that day  was my birthday suggested " we will make special show for you " . I agreed , one of my best decision ever  

6 minutes ago, vinapu said:

find two guys  who will do show for you. Once two Tawan boys upon learning that day  was my birthday suggested " we will make special show for you " . I agreed , one of my best decision ever  

That sounds like a good idea 🤭

1 hour ago, Foolish said:

13 hours ago, gayinpattaya said:

Find a new friend on Wednesday.
They can show you fun things to do on Thursday. Probably the beach, Jomtien Soi 12. 
Purchasing alcohol isn't allowed, but consumption is no issue. There is always fun to be had.
Thursday you will have no problem at the beach or some bars getting served booze, they will just be discreet about it.

Having said all this, ask a local expat (probably not a pensioner) and you can buy alcohol or anything else you need. It's Pattaya, anything goes. 

Haha I'm not really much of a drinker so no alcohol is ok with me. It's just kinda disappointing that the bars would be closed on Thurs cos I love watching the shows there 😕

I agree with the above suggested action plan for Thursday.

I am a "pensioner", since 2 years here, and when these types of Buddhist holidays would occur, I found myself in amazement (I was not yet indoctrinated into the Thai ways - which are VERY similar to the Italian ways of getting around the law found in Italy - where they have a word dedicated to this activity = "scappatoia") when we were at the beach with my volleyball friends and they said to me - we need to get some beer and drinks to liven things up here - as all of the bars are closed.  But I replied, "we cannot - it is illegal to buy alcohol for these 24 hours..."  They all laughed at me - as the Thais truly love when us farangs are bewildered.  One of them said to me, come with me, and I will show you how it is done.  We went to a local "mom and pop" store (situated right next to a 7-Eleven - where ALL of the 2 alcohol selling zones were taped off with prohibition signs) and my Thai friend told the cashier / owner - what he wanted and she made it happen - she looked around for anyone that might rat her out and determined that the coast was clear, and I paid and we left with 2 bags of alcohol (beer, whisky, ice, cups, and snacks) and we returned back to the beach on Jomtien soi 9 I believe.

I was truly amazed and I kept saying WOW - at 7-Eleven this was a BIG NO NO but at the "mom and pop" store next door it was a BIG YES YES.

My friends had a good laugh at my bewilderment and they told me - Welcome to Thailand.

@Foolish - another idea that you can do is around 5:30 pm (everyday) - you can walk over to the Jomtien - Dongtan gay beach area - in front of the Pattaya Tower and Water Park - right next to the Sea Rescue station - you can watch the gay volleyball which can be fun.  If you offer to buy the volleyball players some refreshments - you might be rewarded with some entertainment during the night.

On 10/12/2024 at 1:46 AM, t0oL1 said:

Further, it occurs at the stroke of midnight as the date changes to the next day/holiday.

Surprise! Everything closed - lights out.

The next day the reverse happens also at midnight. A slow reawakening.

Oh, so at midnight Thursday the bars reopen?

2 hours ago, vinapu said:

find two guys  who will do show for you. Once two Tawan boys upon learning that day  was my birthday suggested " we will make special show for you " . I agreed , one of my best decision ever  

Very good idea…!

Which holiday is this Thursday?

 

3 minutes ago, Patanawet said:

Which holiday is this Thursday?

source:  https://thepattayanews.com/2024/01/04/2024-thailand-bar-and-entertainment-closures-and-no-alcohol-days/

 

thanks bkkmfj2648. Couldn't find it on any calendars.

My boyfriend informed me, as he used to work at 7-11, that even if they want to sell alcohol, they can't. The alcoholic items will not scan through the check-out. 
There are a number of stores around Jomtien that sell on these days, although I'd say, if you don't speak Thai it's better to go inside WITH a Thai. Last year 3 Russians were turned away in front of me, and then I was served. Funny stuff. 

The nearest one to Jomtien Complex is the Chinese shop as we call it, down near the beach. It's about 50 meters up the street from Bamboo Bar with a small burger stand out front.

As for bars opening at Midnight, most wont. The last non-alcohol day I believe Dragon Music Lounge did, but they were the only one in the Complex who opened. Most of the owners and staff use it as an excuse for a holiday and a rest.  

8 minutes ago, gayinpattaya said:

There are a number of stores around Jomtien that sell on these days, although I'd say, if you don't speak Thai it's better to go inside WITH a Thai.

Or as I suggested in an earlier post, send a motor bike taxi boy to buy for you. They will always know who is selling. Maybe give him a can as an extra tip😂.