Thai Cabinet To Review Extended Night Entertainment and Bar Hours

In a move to boost tourism in the country, the Tourism and Sports Ministry will request the Thai cabinet to approve their proposal that would enable bars and nighttime entertainment businesses in selected areas to operate beyond 2 a.m.

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said that if the cabinet approves their proposal, nightclubs and bars from 9 provinces will be allowed to operate until 4 a.m.

He said that since these places are so popular with foreign visitors and have the potential to become nightlife hotspots.

Once the proposal is approved, nightclubs in Patong’s Bangla Road would be the first to be permitted to remain open until 4 a.m., allowing officials to measure the preparedness of local businesses.

Mr. Phiphat encouraged critics of the proposal to accept it, stating that allowing nightclubs to remain open until 4 a.m. would increase revenues of local businesses by up to 30%.

The criticism emerged from anti-drunk driving organizations, which are afraid that the expanded hours would result in greater alcohol consumption and could lead to more accidents.

“I am not offended by criticism, and I apologize to those who are upset. But there are some who need encouragement. I believe zoning should assist address issues over drunk driving,” he remarked.

The plan has received widespread support from nightclub owners, who think it would considerably increase their revenue.

Supatra Chalapol, the proprietor of Skyfall on Walking Street in Pattaya, said that the longer hours would significantly give a positive impact on tourism.

She said that the firms are willing to cooperate with the local government to make the plan successful.

Chairman of PTA or Phangnga Tourism Association Lertsak Ponklin said that the government must implement safety measures for tourists to reduce the effect of prolonged drinking hours.

He said that establishments permitted to remain open until 4 a.m. must have operating licenses and safety equipment installed.

According to Mr. Ekkawit, Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi are natural tourist attractions; thus, pubs and bars should be allowed to remain open until 4 a.m.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

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