Exciting news for tourists and locals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket! Nightlife venues will have extended opening hours starting from December 15, boosting tourism and stimulating economic growth. Stay tuned for more updates on this development and its potential expansion to other provinces. 💃🍻🌴 #NightlifeBoost #TourismGrowth #ExtendedOpeningHours #Bangkok #ChiangMai #ChonBuri #Phuket #Thailand
Following a recent announcement by the government to extend opening hours for nightlife venues in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket, business operators in other parts of the country have requested a similar extension. The decision to extend opening hours is part of a trial to stimulate economic growth and is expected to be implemented from Dec 15.
Trial Extension in Selected Provinces
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated the extension of opening hours is a temporary measure to boost tourism in the four provinces. He affirmed that state agencies are currently assessing the suitable duration for this trial period. The prime minister also hinted at potential zoning changes in the future.
The broader intention of this trial is to stimulate the economy by encouraging domestic tourism. It is also expected to generate additional income for businesses in the tourism sector, including restaurants and entertainment venues.
Call for Extension in Other Provinces
Business operators outside of these four provinces are eager for the extension to be implemented in their regions as well. Pichanont Ingprasarn, co-owner of nightlife venues in Trat, Chanthaburi, and Rayong, believes that after studying the benefits and drawbacks of the extension in the trial provinces, a similar concession could be applied elsewhere.
“If the extension boosts tourism and local economy in the four provinces, other provinces should also be allowed to add opening hours,” Ingprasarn said. He also highlighted the potential for tourism growth in other provinces such as Rayong and Trat, which boast tourist attractions like Koh Chang.
Notably, Ingprasarn called for the government to permit more nightspot operators on Koh Chang to obtain legal operating licences, establish clear zoning, and enforce stricter laws to prevent underage individuals from visiting the venues, among other issues.
Support from the Tourism Council
This call for extended hours is also supported by Samphan Chanderm, an adviser to the Trat Tourism Council. He believes that the extension would significantly boost tourism income in Trat, particularly on Koh Chang.
However, not all provinces with high tourism value have been included in this trial. Ratchaporn Poonsawat, president of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, expressed disappointment that Koh Samui in Surat Thani was excluded, despite previous discussions about extending operating hours with the former government.
While the trial extension in the four selected provinces is seen as a positive move for the tourism sector, it has ignited a call from other provinces for an equal slice of the metaphorical pie. However, as of now, the government has not confirmed any plans for extending the trial beyond the initial four provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the new development regarding nightlife venues in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket?
Starting from December 15, nightlife venues in these provinces will have extended opening hours. This decision is part of a trial aimed at stimulating economic growth and boosting tourism. The exact duration of the extended opening hours and the trial period is currently being assessed.
2. What are the views of business operators outside the four provinces regarding the extended opening hours?
Business operators in other provinces, like Trat, Chanthaburi, and Rayong, are eager for a similar extension of opening hours. Pichanont Ingprasarn, co-owner of nightlife venues in these provinces, believes that after reviewing the benefits and drawbacks of the trial in the four provinces, a similar scheme could be beneficial in other areas as well.
3. What is the response from the tourism council and other provinces which are excluded in this trial?
Samphan Chanderm, an adviser to the Trat Tourism Council, supports the call for extended hours, believing that it would significantly boost tourism income in Trat, especially on Koh Chang. Meanwhile, Ratchaporn Poonsawat, president of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, expressed disappointment that Koh Samui in Surat Thani was excluded from the trial, despite previous discussions about extending operating hours.
