Originally Posted by
Haloduck
Buddha's birthday on May 21 - is it true that all bars and discos are closed on that day and that restaurants are now allowed to serve alcoholic drinks?
I am planning to visit Bangkok from May 20 to 23 - and DJ and GOD are a must. So I wonder whether they are open on that day.
Being a religious holiday it's probable that almost all bars and clubs would be closed, but that's something "only" mandated by common respect for a high holy day. Discos may well be open and not serving alcohol, and with things as they are (read: profits are down overall) limits may very well be pushed. Some places will still serve alcohol on No Alcohol Days but disguise it, such as serving it in a coffee mug.
While I appreciate your physical and social desires I personally would hope the day is observed with the respect it deserves, and I'd guess the vast majority of Thai would agree. Many members here might debate it. ;-)
I did an April 9th post on the blog that shows a little of another religious holiday (Makha Bucha day) in Pattaya a couple of months ago, with a couple photos of Boyztown, nearly empty. That might give you an indication, but Pattaya is Pattaya - not the Big Mango.
By the way - your location shows as Macao (about 80% Buddhist?)... is alcohol served on Buddhist holidays there? Just curious, not picking on you.