Millions of Thais Banish Booze for Buddhist Lent The sight of millions of Thais abstaining from alcohol during Buddhist Lent is a striking spectacle, especially given Thailand's notorious drinking culture.
According to 2024 data, the country has one of the highest per capita alcohol consumption rates in Asia, with over 90% of its population identifying as Buddhist – an intriguing paradox that seems at odds with Buddhism's central tenets.
The "Buddhist Lent" campaign, launched in 2003, aims to address this contradiction by promoting abstinence and reducing drinking.