🌃 Exciting News Alert! 🌃 Starting from December 15, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket will have extended nightlife hours until 4am, boosting tourism and the economy. Stay tuned for more updates on this game-changing move! 💃🕺🎉 #ExtendedNightlifeHours #BoostingTourism #ExcitingTimesAhead #BangkokNightlife #ChiangMaiTourism #PhuketNightlife #ThailandTourism
A Change in Nightlife Hours
In an unprecedented move, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced the extension of nightlife opening hours in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket. Beginning from December 15, nighttime entertainment venues, including pubs and bars, will have an extended closing time until 4am.
Integrated Tourism Plan Meeting
The decision was revealed following an integrated tourism plan meeting held on Friday. Prime Minister Srettha and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in a joint statement, expressed their agreement to test out extended nightlife opening hours. The Tourism and Sports Ministry, along with the Royal Thai Police and the four provincial governors, were part of this decision-making process.
Boosting Tourism
This initiative is expected to kickstart on December 15 and will initially be implemented in the aforementioned cities. The primary aim behind this move is boosting tourism. The length of the trial period is yet to be determined, and will be decided upon by the relevant agencies.
Economic and Tourism Benefits
Prime Minister Srettha elucidated the objective behind this decision. He stated, “We intend to spur the economy and tourism domestically. The plan will also help generate more income for businesses in the tourism sector, including restaurants and entertainment venues.”
Catering to Diverse Dining Habits
The Prime Minister acknowledged the diverse dining habits of foreigners and Thais. He noted that some people dine as late as 9pm-10pm. If the venues were to close at midnight or 2am, it would force these patrons to dine earlier, potentially impacting their orders.
Considering the Security
Addressing the potential security concerns, the Prime Minister stated that extending opening hours to 4am is feasible after discussions with security agencies. The Interior Ministry will be responsible for zoning and licenses, while police will focus on ensuring public safety and intensifying drug suppression efforts.
Extended Operating Hours for Restaurants
Interior Minister Anutin also revealed that the government plans to extend operating hours for certain restaurants operating like entertainment venues from midnight to 2am. Currently, the law only allows the selling of alcoholic drinks until midnight, with no music permitted post-midnight.
Amending the Regulations
The Interior Ministry is in talks with police to amend the new ministerial regulations. Once these amendments receive cabinet approval, a law will be proposed allowing provincial governors to determine the zoning and operating hours of night entertainment venues.
Special Unit for After-Hours Inspection
When asked about the authority of administrative officials to inspect entertainment venues after hours are extended, Minister Anutin revealed plans to collaborate with the national police chief and the director-general of the Provincial Administration Department to create a special unit to handle the matter in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary change coming to the nightlife of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket?
From December 15, nightlife venues including pubs and bars in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket will enjoy extended operating hours till 4 am. This is a significant shift from the current closing times, promising to infuse extra vibrance into the lively night scenes of these cities.
Q2: What is the main objective behind extending the nightlife hours?
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has clearly stated the dual objectives of this move: to spur domestic economy and tourism. By allowing businesses in the tourism sector, such as restaurants and entertainment venues, to operate for longer hours, they anticipate increased income generation.
Q3: How is the government planning to handle security concerns and regulations with the extended nightlife hours?
In terms of security, the Prime Minister assures that extending opening hours till 4 am is feasible following discussions with security agencies. The Interior Ministry will be in charge of zoning and issuance of licenses, while the police will focus on ensuring public safety and intensifying drug suppression efforts. The Interior Ministry is also liaising with the police to amend the new ministerial regulations. Post these amendments, a law will be proposed allowing provincial governors to determine the zoning and operating hours of night entertainment venues. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish a special unit for after-hours inspection of entertainment venues.
