Column: Soi Cowboy, all business closed
Yes, you read that right, all businesses in Soi Cowboy, one of Bangkok's most famous entertainment centers, are closed. All the lights are out and the girls of fun are nowhere to be seen. The otherwise busy street in the evenings is deserted and desolate.
Of course, this also applies to the two other red light districts of the city, Nana Plaza and Patpong. It's Monday, February 25, and everywhere is eerily quiet in the metropolis of Bangkok. Lord Buddha has taken matters into his own hands on this day and alcoholic beverages are taboo.
Hypocritical
Most catering entrepreneurs in the city have locked their doors and taken a day off. In some places people do not take this provision so closely and beer is poured into cardboard cups and the bottles are quickly muffled away. The police can invade and check whether spirit-rich fluid is being donated.
From the time
I remember all too well that also in the Netherlands, especially in the south of the country, the places of entertainment, more or less forced by the Heren Clerics, kept the doors closed for forty days during the so-called Lent. Meat was also taboo on Friday for the Catholic part of the population.
Also in countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia you experience that beer is not available in many restaurants because Allah rules here. In the free land of America you will not get a blonde rascal in the state of Utah and certainly in Salt Lake City, because the Mormons are in charge there. Thailand is really no exception. In many places, however, you can see that, just like in Thailand, people distance themselves from nonsensical legislation determined by the religions and introduced by the government.
The power of religions
Everyone can believe what he or she wants from me, but don't impose these kinds of provisions on people who think differently. We live in a free world where everyone decides for themselves whether they want to take a sip within limits or not. Exercising power always goes wrong in the long run. We have already experienced firsthand in Europe that power has the opposite effect. Many believers have turned their backs on the church in recent decades. And could that not be a consequence of duties imposed by religion, which are no longer appropriate today?
Well, I like one or two days of reflection, so without alcohol. fine. Also healthy, nice to flush the liver and kidneys.
One must decide for oneself, but not for others. Religions have produced more bad than good in my opinion.
There was once a discussion that Thailand should get a Buddhist law.
Many protests have arisen because many Muslims and Christians live there.
Ultimately, those Buddha figures determine what you can and cannot do.
Do not drink alcohol on that day. I used to be terribly disturbed as a holiday maker. I fully agree with Joseph's story.
J. Jordan.
Really and truly? Was that also in Hua Hin? Now I know why an acquaintance of mine knew so well when this day was. He likes and often goes out with the females. And add a few glasses.
The last time I was in Jomtien, our favorite bar was open on Buddha day. And the police just stood inside, supervising a bit while enjoying a (free) drink. The bar was allowed to remain open as long as the guests shuffled a bit. Good deal anyway 🙂
Religion has little or nothing to do with Prohibition.
Also on other official days such as the Coronation Day and birthday of the king and
when there is a vote, there is an alcoholic prohibition. in bars.
In the hotels and restaurants it does not apply if you eat, so just a plate with cutlery on the table is sufficient.
Nothing wrong with that, the alcoholics among us should stock up on supplies.
Good luck with it.
@ Microton In addition: From March 2, 18 pm to March 3, 24 pm, the sale and distribution of alcohol in Bangkok will be banned due to the gubernatorial election. Parties are also not allowed. The polling stations will be open on March 3 from 8 a.m. to 15 p.m.