Thailand bans alcohol sales, distribution during general election

Alcohol sales and distribution have been forbidden from Saturday to Sunday as Thailand's first general election since 2011 is coming on Sunday.

There will be a 24-hour ban on the sale of alcohol from 06:00 pm on Saturday until 06:00 pm on Sunday.

Officials said weddings, parties and other celebrations can still be organized for these dates, but there must be no alcohol served or consumed.

The ban was enacted by the Election Commission, which stated that any person who sells or distributes liquor of any kind in the election area between 06:00 pm on the day before the election day until 06:00 pm of the election day shall be punished by up to six months' jail or a fine of up to 10,000 baht (about 312 U.S. dollars), or both.

About seven million first-time voters will have their chance to cast a vote on Sunday.

The voting will be closed at 05:00 pm local time, reports said.

The Election Commission said that a large number of votes should be counted and preliminary results be announced by 08:00 pm local time Sunday night.