BANGKOK, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Thailand has imposed a 24-hour ban on the sale of alcohol on Tuesday, known as Makha Bucha religious holiday.
The ban came into force at midnight Monday. Any person and business found selling alcohol during the 24-hour period will face a jail up to six months or a fine, according to the Thai government.
Health authorities have been working with local authorities to launch checks at shops nationwide. People are urged to report vendors who sell alcohol during the period.
The alcohol ban was instituted by law under an announcement by the Prime Minister's Office on Jan. 22, 2015.
Under the order, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on five specific Buddhist religious days.
Duty-free shops at international airports are exempt from the ban.
Makha Bucha Day is celebrated in countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
It is marked in modern-day Thailand during the reign of King Rama IV, first observed only in the royal palace. After becoming more widely recognized nationally it is finally introduced as a Thai public holiday.
The term Makha Bucha is referred to a day intended for honoring the third lunar month and, in particular, the Buddha and the teachings that he delivered on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month.
