Gaybutton Posted May 16, 2008 Posted May 16, 2008 Monday, May 19 is Visakha Bucha Day, one of the most important Buddhist holidays of the year. Tradition has it that on this date Buddha was born, reached enlightenment, and died. All banks and government offices will be closed, however it remains at the discretion of each bar (at least so far) to close or remain open and the bars get to decide for themselves, assuming they open, whether to serve alcohol. My guess is the bars will be open, considering the number of days they have already been forced to close this year. Be advised, though, all it takes is one highly placed government official to decide the bars should close. At the time of this posting, the bars are still allowed to decide for themselves. Quote
Guest pattayageorge Posted May 17, 2008 Posted May 17, 2008 it remains at the discretion of each bar (at least so far) to close or remain open and the bars get to decide for themselves, assuming they open, whether to serve alcohol. I was in Boyztown last night, which was raided, along with soi's 1 & 2 by the Police, carting all the boys off for urine tests for yaba etc... and I was informed by the staff in both boyzboyzboyz and throb/splash, that they will be closed on Mon, apparently they can open if they wish, but are advised, out of respect for the Buddha holiday, to co-operate with the local authorities. I shall be stocking up tomorrow in 7/11! Quote
Gaybutton Posted May 17, 2008 Author Posted May 17, 2008 I was in Boyztown last night, which was raided, along with soi's 1 & 2 by the Police, carting all the boys off for urine tests for yaba etc... and I was informed by the staff in both boyzboyzboyz and throb/splash, that they will be closed on Mon, apparently they can open if they wish, but are advised, out of respect for the Buddha holiday, to co-operate with the local authorities. I shall be stocking up tomorrow in 7/11! This just keeps getting better and better! Only a few years ago it was quite rare to hear about raids on the bars. Now it's rare when you don't hear about them. Until recently, raids on Pattayaland were unheard of. Now we're hearing about them occurring more and more often. I guess those responsible for organizing these raids must think they're not already doing enough to drive away customers. I also like the fact that the bars can open, but they are 'advised' not to open. That's like IRS advising Americans that it's a good idea to pay their taxes. Great! Let's play, "Put the bars in a damned if you do, damned if you don't position." If I'm counting correctly, this is the sixth time since the first of the year the bars are being ordered, or in effect being ordered, to close. I'm surprised the bars are being harassed to this extent. After all, if they end up being forced out of business because of nonsensical closings, raids, ridiculous closing hours, and lord-knows-what-else, those in uniform who are somewhat less than scrupulous will lose getting their monthly 'tea' money. It's not just the bars. If the bars go, so will several hotels, restaurants, and many other related businesses. Well, maybe Pattayaland won't become wasted space. It would make an excellent location for a Thai branch of the Womens Christian Temperance Union. Quote
