Speaking after visiting the areas, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul claimed on Monday that the 4am extension of operating hours for entertainment venues in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phuket and on Koh Samui is beneficial, including generating more income.
Anutin said there is ongoing discussion about future expansion of nightlife zones and extension of licencing hours in other provinces, contingent on legal considerations and community impacts.
He emphasised the need for responsibility and strict adherence to the law to ensure safety. The extension of operating hours for pubs and entertainment venues has, however, been criticised for potentially increasing accidents and crime.
The pubs are, nonetheless, required to adhere to three key procedures:
1. Monitor customers’ blood-alcohol levels.
2. If it exceeds 50mg per 100mL, there must be accommodation provided.
3. If customers do not wish to stay, drivers must be arranged and the sale of alcohol to those under 20 and those who are visibly intoxicated is prohibited.
On Khao San Road, although the street boasts over 50 entertainment venues, only three have received permission to serve alcohol on the premises until 4am.
In Phuket, the lively nightlife venues on the famous Bangla Road have seen an influx of tourists, predominantly foreigners. The majority have expressed approval of the extended hours, providing more leisure time.
Only venues meeting specific criteria are, however, permittedto remain open until 4am and local authorities are actively ensuring that businesses adhere to regulations, using AI-based CCTV systems to enhance security for tourists.
In Chiang Mai, the head of the Chiang Mai Restaurant and Entertainment Association anticipates that only about ten establishments will find it financially viable to stay open until 4am.
