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Asalha Buchaวันอาสาฬหบูชา

The Buddha's first sermon, and the first half of Thailand's only back-to-back two-day alcohol ban

Next
18 July 2027
18 July 2027
Where
Nationwide
Public holiday
Yes
Alcohol sales
Banned

In short

Asalha Bucha marks the delivery of the first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath, the moment the Buddhist community came into existence. It falls immediately before Khao Phansa, which means the two dry days run consecutively — the longest stretch of the year in which alcohol cannot be sold in shops or ordinary bars.

Four monks in orange robes standing with their alms bowls on a bamboo raft being poled along the green Phachi river, a woman in a red hill-tribe tunic carrying a woven back-basket beside them, with dense forest rising from the bank behind and their reflections stretching across the water.
Paul-shy / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Go if

  • The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, whose processions build across Asalha Bucha and peak the following morning
  • Morning merit-making, which is heavily attended
  • A cheap, quiet couple of days if you have no interest in drinking

Be aware

  • Two consecutive dry days. If you want a drink at home, buy it two days before
  • Banks and government offices closed for both days
  • Many bars simply shut rather than trade dry; nightlife districts are noticeably empty
  • Hotels and licensed entertainment venues within their permitted hours, and international airport terminals, remain exempt

Dates

The full moon of the eighth month in the Thai lunar calendar, normally July. In a leap-month year it falls on the full moon of the second eighth month, pushing it towards the end of July. Khao Phansa always follows the next day.

  • 29 July 2026Wednesday. Followed immediately by Khao Phansa on the 30th.
  • 18 July 2027Sunday, with Khao Phansa on Monday 19 July and an in-lieu public holiday on Tuesday 20 July.

Sources

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