As the tourism industry begins to revive, nightclubs and bars are lobbying the government to allow them to stay open later.
The proprietors of establishments catering to a nighttime clientele are lobbying the government to change the mandatory closing hour of their businesses from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. There will be a 20-30% increase in revenue for businesses located in popular tourist areas as a result of this approach.
Khao San Road Business Association President Mr. Sanga Reuangwattanakun indicated that Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn will bring up this issue at next week’s Cabinet meeting.
Khao San Road, Soi Cowboy, and Soi Patpong in Bangkok, Bangla walking street in Phuket, and other tourist destinations in Krabi, Phang Nga, Samui, and Pattaya were all mentioned as potential areas where he would support a trial program to extend business hours.
Mr. Sanga argued that this sort of zoning restriction would make it easier for law enforcement to crack down on drunk driving, and that the presence of checkpoints in certain areas would encourage more people to use cabs, so boosting the income of the taxi industry.
The President of the Patong Entertainment Association in Phuket, Mr. Weerawit Krueasombat, has stated that official petitions have been sent to many agencies in order to extend the closing time till 4 a.m. in order to better serve visitors.
He said that the later closing time will be more convenient for European visitors, who often don’t start hitting the clubs until after midnight.
The Thai Public Taxi Association has said that its members are prepared to abide with the new law. The COVID-19 epidemic has also had a significant impact on the taxi industry. They adapted by installing walls in the cabin and catering to people with COVID-19 during the peak transmission period, when the number of normal passengers was significantly reduced.
