Tourist spots seen as key money manufacturers
Evening entertainment business operators have renewed demands the government to consider extending the closing period for nightspots in some tourist districts.
A suggestion previously submitted to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) requesting a 4am closing time was not approved because the CCSA does not have the power to amend the kind of laws.
Wirawit Khreausombat, leader of a group of amusement venue operators within the Patong area of Phuket, said the current time limit doesn’t fit consumers’ expectations.
Mr Wirawit mentioned a nationwide guideline on closing moments for night venues is not suitable, since different businesses have got different needs.
A 2am closing time might be suitable for most non-tourist districts, but companies in highly popular tourist districts have to remain open till 4am in order to fulfill their customers, he said.
Many popular tourist destinations around the world have been allowed to relax their regulations to meet such demand and Thailand must do the same in its tourist districts, he added.
“Imagine how much more income is going to be generated if these night entertainment venues are allowed to lengthen the closing time for another two or three hrs, ” Mr Wirawit said.
From spending 2, 000 baht in order to 3, 000 baht a person per night, each guest might spend up to 4, 000 baht in order to 5, 000 baht if the closing period is extended, he or she said.
“That kind of spending will help speed up economic recovery during a time when the country can be focusing on restoring the economy, ” he or she said.
Other tourism-related procedures will also benefit, including taxis, shops plus hotels, he additional.
The night time entertainment sector is essential and deserves the full support of the govt, said Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association.
Even farmers expanding cooking ingredients can benefit from the expected development in demand for food if the business hrs are lengthened, Mister Sanga said.
He suggested the government switch to zoning and allow highly popular zones to near their doors afterwards.
That would help Thailand contend with neighbouring countries attempting hard to attract a lot more tourists, he said.
Thanakorn Kuptajit, an professional adviser at the Thai Alcohol Beverage Company Association, urged a pilot scheme become initiated in such areas as Khao San Road in Bangkok, Krabi, Phangnga, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin, and Koh Samui in Surat Thani.
Sadit Jaithiang, leader of the Thai General public Taxi Association, said he agreed using the zoning idea since that would make it simpler for taxi drivers to pick up potential travellers.