Thailand has introduced new rules allowing alcohol sales at designated venues, including licensed nightspots, on five major Buddhist holy days, while maintaining the general nationwide ban on alcohol sales on those dates.

The regulation took effect on Saturday.

Under the new rules, alcohol sales remain prohibited on Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asanha Bucha Day, the first day of Buddhist Lent and the end of Buddhist Lent.

However, five categories of venues are now exempt from the ban.

Alcohol sales are permitted inside passenger areas of airports serving international flights, at licensed entertainment venues regulated under the entertainment venue law, at legally registered hotels and at venues hosting major national or international events designated by the Public Health Ministry.

The regulation also permits sales at businesses operating in a manner similar to entertainment venues in designated tourist areas. Such locations must be officially designated by the public health minister on the recommendation of the interior minister.

The easing follows a broader review of Thailand's alcohol regulations this year. In May, authorities extended permitted alcohol sales hours from 11am to midnight and introduced exemptions for international airport terminals, hotels, entertainment venues and designated event sites.