The Street Ratchada Cancels Beer Festival Due to Political Risks

The Street Ratchada in the district of Din Daeng, aka the supposed venue of Thailand’s biggest beer festival, has called off the brewery event for being “too political.”

An annual gathering for lager lovers and brew-holics, the Beer People Festival advocates for reform of the city’s strict booze laws.

In a BK Asia City report, the shopping mall said it doesn’t want to “develop the misconception” that the establishment is in support of any political party.

“The shopping centre is concerned that it may cause the public to [think] that the mall is not neutral, which may bring about protests and political rallies,” The Street Ratchada said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the beer festival said it is looking for a new venue following the mall’s cancellation.

“We will not postpone the event. We will relocate to a venue with the same neighbourhood size,” the Beer People Festival wrote in an Instagram post.

“We need an area of 3,000 square-metre or more. If you have a space for us, contact us directly,” it added.