Exciting news from Thailand as the Interior Ministry announces plans to extend opening hours for night entertainment venues! Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin believes this will help stimulate the economy and benefit cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chon Buri. Stay tuned for updates on potential changes to alcohol sale regulations and share your thoughts on this tourist-friendly initiative! #ThailandNightlife #TouristSeason #EconomicStimulus #ExtendedHours #AlcoholRegulations #PublicOpinion
The Interior Ministry of Thailand has recently announced that public hearings and regulatory amendments are prerequisites before night entertainment venues in touristic hotspots can extend their operating hours till 4 am.
Economic Stimulus Efforts Lead to Consideration of Extended Operating Hours
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is advocating for the extension of opening hours as part of the government’s economic stimulus efforts for the upcoming high tourist season. To ensure the policy’s implementation by December 15, the ministry is actively exploring the fastest and most convenient methods, shared Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Potential Beneficiaries of Extended Pub Hours
Cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chon Buri are among the provinces where pub opening hours may get a boost. Potential changes in regulations governing alcohol sale timings might also be on the horizon to allow beverages to be served during these extended hours.
Public Hearings Essential Before Implementation
According to Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, public opinion is crucial before the government can proceed with the extension of opening hours. Public hearings are expected to be held in target areas to gather the perspectives of all stakeholders.
Alcohol Control Law Amendments Under Consideration
The existing alcohol control law allows Type 1 night entertainment businesses to sell alcohol until midnight only. Restaurants without live music can serve alcohol as long as they remain open. The ministry is considering if it’s possible to sidestep the amendment procedures, which might be time-consuming and derail the December 15 deadline.
Mixed Reactions To The New Policy
The proposed policy has seen a mix of supporters and opponents. Sanga Ruengwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Businesses Association, opined that extending opening hours without expanding alcohol sale timings wouldn’t boost tourist expenditure as expected by the government. Most foreign tourists visiting nightclubs prefer to order drinks individually, unlike local club-goers who purchase a bottle of spirits to last until closing time.
On the other hand, Chalerm Ubumrung, a list-MP from the Pheu Thai Party, opposes the extension of pub operating hours. He expressed his belief that foreign tourists visit Thailand for its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and food, rather than nightlife, which they can find in their home countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the primary reasons behind the proposed extension of pub hours in Thailand?
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, believes that extending the operating hours of night entertainment venues could help stimulate the economy. This is part of the government’s efforts to boost tourism during the high season. The cities that could potentially benefit from these extended hours include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chon Buri.
2. Which legal changes are being considered to allow for the extension of pub hours?
Before the extension of pub hours can take place, public hearings and regulatory amendments are needed. This is because the current alcohol control law permits Type 1 night entertainment businesses to sell alcohol only until midnight. For the policy to be implemented, the Interior Ministry is considering ways to bypass the amendment procedures that might be time-consuming and potentially delay the December 15 deadline.
3. What have been some of the reactions to the proposed policy?
The policy has received mixed reactions. One perspective, offered by Sanga Ruengwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Businesses Association, is that extending opening hours without expanding alcohol sale timings might not increase tourist expenditure as much as the government hopes. On the contrary, Chalerm Ubumrung, a list-MP from the Pheu Thai Party, opposes extending pub operating hours, believing that foreign tourists visit Thailand for its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and food more than its nightlife.
