No alcohol ban for referendum

Phuket Provincial Pol Superintendent Maj Gen Decha Budnampetch told the Gazette on Thursday that bars and nightclubs could open for business as normal, as police would not seek their "cooperation" in refraining from the sale of alcohol as done for elections.

The national government announced an extra holiday on Monday, August 20, to encourage the public to vote.

Both announcements come as good news to Phuket residents, who are enjoying betterthanexpected lowseason trade in areas such as Patong.

Meanwhile, Phuket Election Commission Director Suparp Akkham told the Gazette that he expects at least 60% of Phuket's 215,433 registered voters to take part in Thailand's first referendum.

Muang district has the most registered voters (130,805), followed by Thalang (54,072) and Kathu (30,556), he said.

After polls close on Sunday all referendum slips will be sent to Gymnasium 3 at Saphan Hin, where they will be tallied.

He added that thus far in Phuket there have been no reports of unruly opposition to the new charter.

by Phuket Gazette