The government intends to change the rules by December 15.
PUBLISHED: 4:57 on November 7, 2023.
The Interior Ministry announced on Monday that public sessions and some regulatory changes are required before evening entertainment venues in important tourist areas you remain open until 4 a.m.
As part of the government’s economic stimulus efforts for the upcoming high tourist season, Prime Minister Srettha & nbsp, Thavisin, wants opening hours to be extended. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the government is also looking into ways to find the quickest and most practical way to put the plan into effect by December 15.
Among the regions where entry time may be extended, he said, are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chon Buri. He continued,” Regulations on what times alcohol may be sold may need to be changed to allow for beverage to serve during the extended opening time.”
Before the government does extend the beginning hours, it will also be necessary to hold a public hearing in the specific areas to solicit input from all parties involved.
According to him, the alcohol control law already only permits Type 1 night entertainment companies to sell alcohol until midnight, while restaurants that do not have live music may serve alcohol while they are open.
According to Mr. Anutin,” The ministry was looking into whether it would be possible to get around the amendment processes and other pertinent regulations that may take a long time to complete, meaning the Dec. 15 deadline would assuredly be missed.”
He acknowledged that the new scheme has both benefits and drawbacks, as well as a sizable number of proponents and detractors.
In the meantime, Sanga Ruengwattanakul, chairman of the Khao San Road Businesses Association, argued that the government’s decision to extend opening hours to 4am while never extending the time for alcohol sales would be absurd and impossible.
According to Mr. Sanga, this won’t result in tourists spending more money than the government has anticipated because most foreign visitors to a bar typically order specific drinks, one after the other, in contrast to Thai clubbers who prefer to buy bottles of spirits to drink until closing time.
But, MP Chalerm Ubumrung of the Pheu Thai Party voiced opposition to extending the opening hours for nighttime entertainment spaces, claiming that foreign visitors come to Thailand for its natural beauty, historic places, and meals, not for a day out that they can get in their own places.