4am bar closing time starts at New Year

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4am closing starts at NY

October 31, 2023

The government will allow bars and nightclubs to operate until 4am starting from the New Year holiday period onwards in an effort to stimulate the economy, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday.

Mr Anutin, who is also a deputy prime minister, said the decision was in line with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's directives and that the new hours will be gradually implemented across the country, starting with provinces which are popular with tourists, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

He reminded the operators of such venues to ensure their premises are free from criminal activities at all times.

"We're doing this for the benefit of law-abiding citizens, so please refrain from drink-driving, carrying illegal weapons and dealing drugs," he said. "If everyone cooperates, we won't have any problems, no matter how long they remain open."

The cabinet is expected to approve the proposal sometime in December, in time for the New Year holidays, he said.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... arts-at-ny

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Pattaya Authorities Hold Public Hearing on Extending Bar Closing Hours to 4 AM

By Tanakorn Panyadee

3 November, 2023

A group of business operators in Pattaya met with law enforcement officials to discuss extending the legal operating hours of nighttime businesses to 4 AM in a bid to boost tourism revenue.

The meeting, which took place on November 1st, was attended by Pol. Maj. Gen. Nanthawut Suwanlaong, Deputy Commander of Region 2 Police, Pol. Col. Thanapong Phothiti, Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, Mr. Pharadon Chainaporn, Banglamung District Secretary and relevant officers from nearby police stations including Banglamung, Nongprue, and Sri Racha; and business operators in the Pattaya area.

The meeting was held to discuss the Thai Government proposal to extend the service hours of nighttime businesses in Pattaya until 4:00 AM. Some police were against the extension, but nightlife business operators were united in believing it should take place to boost tourism.

According to Maj. Gen. Nanthawut, he mentioned that the extension could contribute positively to the economy, but it could also lead to an increase in criminal activities and drinking-related accidents.

The officer also expressed concerns about potential hikes in pollution such as loud noises and the negative impact the extension could have on daytime businesses.

On the other hand, nightlife business operators expressed their support for the proposal to extend the operating hour. They also proposed the extension of legal entertainment zones into Jomtien and Naklua and emphasized the importance of training staff of all venues to ensure consistent service quality.

The observations and meeting notes would be provided to the Thai Government for further deliberation.

Meanwhile, on October 30th, 2023, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced plans to extend the opening hours of entertainment venues in select tourist areas to boost tourism during the peak season.

The proposal will undergo further discussion by the Thai Cabinet and Ministry of the Interior, with a final decision expected by December 15th, 2023.

Anutin emphasized that strict adherence to the laws must be upheld by all entertainment venues. The pilot program will initially focus on Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok, with additional areas considered in the future. The inclusion of Pattaya, however, remains uncertain, pending final deliberations before December 15th.

https://thepattayanews.com/2023/11/03/p ... s-to-4-am/

[Gaybutton]

Now apparently you won't have to wait for New Year for the 4am closing hours. It looks like it will begin December 15.

However, I'm a bit confused as to whether that constitutes permission, but the individual provinces and cities also have to agree to it. There were meetings about it held by Pattaya's powers-that-be, addressing police concerns and other issues by those opposed to those hours. Does that mean Pattaya's local government can say no to those hours or set their own closing hours? I'm not sure and I have not seen anything further about it.

Again, permission to close at 4am does not necessarily the bars will choose to stay open until 4am. It would depend on customer numbers. If there are enough wee hour customers to support remaining open until 4am, then they would stay open. But if not, then it would be pointless to remain open until then. My guess is the bars frequented by young Thais are much more likely to have enough customers than the gay bars frequented by farang would have. I, for one, would never make it to 4am. At that hour there's this weird thing I do called sleeping.

In other words "can stay open until 4am" might not mean "will stay open until 4am"

I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, those of you concerned about noise issues at your hotels, you might want to consider accommodations away from the bar areas. It might be a little inconvenient getting to and from the bars, but at least you'll be able to get a night's sleep without being plagued by bar noise. I don't think many of you need me to tell you how loud the music will be from some of those bars.
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Bangkok to Get Later Nightlife Closing Hours, Says Prime Minister

By Adam Judd

4 November, 2023

The Thai government will initially permit bars and nightclubs in four provinces, including Chonburi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok, to operate until 4 AM, as announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday, November 3rd.

The revelation came after PM Srettha met with Anutin Charnvirakul, the Minister of the Interior, along with the governors of the four aforementioned provinces yesterday to discuss stretching the nighttime service hours to 4 AM.

According to Srettha, the meeting reached a unanimous decision to extend the operating hours in four pilot provinces, namely Bangkok, Chonburi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, which Srettha said are important tourist destinations.

This extension will permit nighttime services to operate until 4:00 AM, starting on December 15th, 2023, as an economic stimulus. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that it will initially be introduced as a ‘temporary measure’ to assess its pros and cons. A thorough study will be conducted later for future considerations, he added.

In response to inquiries about whether the extension will cover the entire province or specific areas, Srettha clarified that it will specifically target certain areas, such as the legal entertainment zones. He mentioned that the Ministry of Interior will soon announce the designated zones that will benefit from this extension by December 15th.

Srettha went on to say that the extension was not specifically aimed at promoting alcohol consumption, but it was intended to encourage foreign tourists, who usually don’t dine out until 9 or 10 PM, to spend more eating out.

Regarding concerns about the rise in accidents, drug abuse, or social issues, Srettha assured that the Royal Thai Police is prepared to address these challenges. Measures such as increased CCTV installations and venue inspections will be implemented.

https://tpnnational.com/2023/11/04/bang ... -minister/

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Currently Legal Nightlife Zones in Pattaya to Test 4 AM Bar Closings from December 15th

By Tanakorn Panyadee

6 November, 2023

Legal entertainment zones in Pattaya will get to pioneer 4 AM bar closings after it is implemented on December 15th by the Thai government, revealed Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches.

Mr. Poramase announced on Saturday, November 4th, that entertainment venues within the currently designated legal nightlife zones in Pattaya will be able to test the extended operating hours for nightlife until 4 AM immediately after it becomes official. However, those outside the zones must await decisions made in future meetings involving all relevant agencies, he added.

Chonburi, the home of Pattaya, is one of the four provinces, including Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok, that get to pioneer the extended closing time for nighttime businesses, as announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin last week.

Currently, the legal zones in Pattaya cover the east side of Third Road, Walking Street, and LK Metro area. However, many entertainment venues have sprung up in Jomtien, Naklua, and the so-called “dark side” as well, despite technically being illegal due to outdated zoning restrictions over 20-years-old.

This has spurred proactive efforts from business operators and officials to expand these zoning boundaries. Pattaya City Council member Damrongkiat Pinitkan last year proposed a revision during a council meeting, highlighting the outdated nature of the current zones, which were established two decades ago and no longer align with the city’s evolving landscape.

In response, Mayor Poramase had directed relevant parties to formally petition the Ministry of Interior, while acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue.

For now, those outside the entertainment zones will continue to have to close at the currently legal time, which is from midnight to 2 AM depending on area.

The Pattaya News notes that an interesting wrench was thrown into these plans when Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said over the weekend that although entertainment venues would be allowed to close later, they would not be allowed to sell alcohol later. Whether this is enforced or if business owners will force a change by complaining to the government is yet to be seen.

https://thepattayanews.com/2023/11/06/c ... mber-15th/

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Nighttime venues upbeat

by Mongkol Bangprapa, Penchan Charoensuthipan, Panumet Tanraksa and Achadthaya Chuenniran

November 5, 2023

Businesses have welcomed the government's decision to extend opening hours for nightspots to 4am in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Phuket from Dec 15.

They also want the government to assign clear zoning for entertainment venues and measures to ensure tourism safety.

On Friday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Interior Minister Anutin Charvirakul discussed extending nightlife opening hours for a trial period with the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Royal Thai Police and the four provincial governors.

The measure will first be implemented in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Phuket to boost tourism and is expected to take effect from Dec 15. Mr Srettha said state agencies will consider how many months is suitable for the trial.

The extension will be temporary for the moment, and discussions about a change of zoning will be held in the future.

He said the government intends 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.

He pointed out that some foreigners do not have similar dining habits as Thais. Some dine around 9pm-10pm. If opening hours are limited to midnight or 2am, customers might have to dine earlier, and that decreases the amount of food they order.

Mr Srettha also said extending opening hours to 4am is workable, after having spoken with security agencies. He added the Interior Ministry will look into zoning and licences and police will try to ensure people's safety and increase illicit drug suppression.

Mr Anutin said the Interior Ministry will propose a law allowing provincial governors to announce the zoning and operating hours of night entertainment venues.

Move welcomed

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said new zoning for nightlife venues in Bangkok cannot be assigned before Dec 15.

However, the extension of opening hours can be applied to more than 200 entertainment venues in the premises of hotels as well as existing zones -- RCA on Phetchaburi Road, Silom Road and Ratchadaphisek Road.

He added that CCTV cameras will also be used to ensure the safety of tourists while police will be asked to check tourists for drugs and conduct breathalyser tests.

Thanit Chumsaeng, president of the Chiang Mai Restaurant and Entertainment Venue Association, agreed with the government's decision, saying the government should also assign clear zoning for entertainment venues so nightlife businesses do not disturb nearby communities.

He said the Interior Ministry is expected to issue an announcement which will authorise provincial governors in major tourism cities to enforce the extension of opening hours and oversee entertainment venues.

Mr Thanit said Chiang Mai's urban landscape keeps changing and its current zoning for entertainment venues may have to be revised accordingly.

He said the extension of the opening hours should apply to downtown areas, such as in the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road, which is already a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

While longer hours will benefit numerous nightlife venues in such areas, operators will also have to shoulder higher electricity bills, and wages for workers and other costs, which will increase by 10-20%, he said.

It is up to each operator to weigh these pros and cons before deciding whether to open until 4am, as some nightlife venues are more popular than others, Mr Thanit said.

As for entertainment venues located outside zoning in Chiang Mai, they should be allowed to open until 2am.

They include those along the Nimmanhaemin Road, Asadathorn Road, and Santitham Road. Their customers are mostly locals and students, he said, adding that nightlife venues should be located far away from schools, universities, and temples.

He went on to say that the government should also waive excise tax for entertainment venues that open after midnight as they already have to pay liquor tax and cigarette tax.

This measure will help operators who support the government's campaign to promote tourism, he said.

According to Chiang Mai's local authorities, more than 10,000 entertainment venues have licences to operate and 70-80% of them are located in downtown areas, with more than 80,000 workers employed that would generate about 20 billion baht.

Tourists' Safety

Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, said business operators in Phuket previously proposed an extension of the operating hours of entertainment venues until 4am when the prime minister visited the island province in August.

He said allowing these venues to open until 4am will increase tourism revenue by about 30%.

Mr Thaneth said business operators in Phuket suggested that clear zoning be designated for entertainment venues to avoid disturbing the nearby communities and safety regulations be put in place to prevent any unwanted incidents during the later hours.

Authorities must estimate how much security personnel is needed to ensure safety for tourists and they should also consider increasing CCTV cameras along the street, or setting more security checkpoints to detect drink-driving motorists.

Problems such as quarrels, drug abuse, and drunk driving should be regulated through stricter law enforcement to assure minimal consequences from the extended hours, he said.

He said the extension should be trialled on Bangla Road in Kathu district where several nightlife venues operate.

Damrongkiat Pinitkarn, secretary to the Entertainment & Tourism Association of Pattaya City, said Pattaya is a popular tourist destination and is ready for the extension of operating hours.

''Operators here promotes nightlife tourism activities. Tourists dine at around 6pm and chill out at the Walking Street in Pattaya before entering night entertainment venues at around 11pm.

''The current closing hour at 2am is too early as operators do their business for only a few hours and the fun for tourists also ends too soon,'' he said.

He also agreed with stricter law enforcement to curb problems such as drink-driving and prevent underage youngsters from entering nightlife venues.

''Pattaya has another advantage as there are no universities nearby so there is no problem involving underage students patronising pubs,'' Mr Damrongkiat said.

With opening hours extended until 4am, each entertainment venue in Pattaya is expected to see their income increase by 60,000-70,000 baht per night, he said.

Registration of more pubs

Sanga Ruengwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Businesses Association, also supports the extension, saying the government should also allow more entertainment venues to apply for registration legally.

''Over the past 10 years, no new entertainment venues have been registered legally. Several operators have to offer money under-the table [to authorities] so they can operate their businesses,'' Mr Sanga said.

''For those legally licenced to operate, authorities can easily inspect them to ensure they comply with safety standards, while unlicensed venues are not subject to inspection, which can pose safety risks to patrons,'' he said.

Mr Sanga said licensed entertainment venues must meet certain criteria, including having fire exits or emergency exits, and first aid kits.

"Several shophouses have been modified into entertainment venues without proper safety measures in cases of emergency,'' he said.

''The government must lay down clear regulations to prevent those who fail to meet requirements for operating nightlife venues until 4am,'' he said.

However, Ratchaporn Poonsawat, president of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, complained that Koh Samui of Surat Thani is not among the provinces where the extension of opening hours for entertainment venues is taking effect.

He said business operators here already discussed an extension of opening hours with the previous government.

He said Koh Samui does not cover a large area so it is easy to designate zoning for entertainment venues, while police are also ready to ensure the safety of tourists. He added he wondered why Koh Samui hadn't been considered for the extension.

Opposing the move

Chuwit Jantaros, coordinator of the Anti-Alcohol Network, refuted claims by business operators that the extension is in response to foreign tourists' demands.

A study shows that before Covid, up to 80% of foreign tourists visited Thailand to visit natural and cultural attractions and see local ways of life.

''The claims are unfounded. I don't believe the extension will spur the economy,'' Mr Chuwit said, adding that drinking alcohol is what is to blame for more accidents and crime.

Thatchawut Jadbandit, a researcher at the Academic Centre For Road Safety, said the benefit of the extension may be not worth the risk. Citing some data from the Department of Disease Control from January until August, he said the number of deaths and injuries as a result of drink-driving stood at 50,164.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/sp ... ues-upbeat

[Gaybutton]

If they really are going to permit the bars to be open until 4am, but have to stop selling alcohol at 2am, then for me the most appropriate comment I can come up with is a word I borrow right out of Jun's vocabulary - DAFT!

A bar would have no reason to remain open if it's not selling anything. Between 2am and 4am, if the bar cannot sell liquor, then what are these people expecting the bar to sell? What will attract customers?

And in case they haven't figured it out, you can still drink all you want until 4am. All you have to do is order either a bottle or several drinks - no ice - shortly before 2am. They might have to stop sellingalcohol at 2am, but there's nothing to stop you from drinking the alcohol you already have after 2am. Just order ice when ready for your next drink. No restrictions that I know of about providing ice after 2am . . .

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Excluded nightspots eye slice of 4am pie

by Jakkrit Waewklaihong and Mongkol Bangprapa

November 6, 2023

After the government extended opening hours for nightspots to 4am in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Phuket, business operators in other provinces are calling for the same policy to be applied there.

On Friday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the government would extend nightlife opening hours for a trial period in the four provinces first to boost tourism.

The measure is expected to take effect from Dec 15, he said, adding state agencies will consider how many months is suitable for the trial.

The extension will be temporary for the moment, and discussions about a change of zoning will be held in the future, the PM said.

He said the government intends 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.

Pichanont Ingprasarn, a co-owner of nightlife venues in three eastern provinces of Trat, Chanthaburi and Rayong, said the government is expected to study the pros of cons of the extension before deciding whether a similar concession will be applied to other provinces.

"If the extension boosts tourism and local economy in the four provinces, other provinces should also be allowed to add opening hours," he said.

"The government should look at other provinces with the potential for tourism growth such as Rayong and Trat which have tourist attractions [such as Koh Chang in Trat]. Nightlife venues there are also the targets of foreign tourists," he said.

He also wants the government to allow more nightspot operators on Koh Chang to apply for licences to operate legally, assign clear zoning for them and ensure stricter law enforcement to prevent underage people from visiting the venues and other problems.

Samphan Chanderm, an adviser to the Trat Tourism Council, also supported the extension of opening hours in Trat as it would will boost tourism income in the province, especially on Koh Chang.

Ratchaporn Poonsawat, president of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, said Koh Samui in Surat Thani is not among the provinces where the extension of opening hours for entertainment venues is taking effect, despite its tourism value. He said business operators here already discussed operating hour extension with the previous government.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... of-4am-pie

[Gaybutton]

Ok, now we're back to yes, alcohol can be served up to 4am. Make up your minds . . .
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Thai Deputy Prime Minister Clarifies That Alcohol Sales Will Be Allowed During Extended Entertainment Hours in Four Pilot Provinces

By Kittisak Phalaharn

7 November, 2023

On November 7th, 2023, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister, clarified to Thai national media about the extension of opening service hours of entertainment districts to 4 AM in four pilot provinces.

At present, the Ministry of Interior is in the process of reviewing and listening to various opinions and complaints from locals and owners of entertainment venues before presenting them to the cabinet, said Anutin.

Anutin apologized for misleading information from the previous statement that the extended-hour services will not cover alcohol sales until 4 AM which is incorrect. He meant to mention service establishments that are similar to entertainment venues that could provide alcoholic beverages until midnight such as late-night restaurants, karaoke, and similar businesses. Qualified entertainment venues in approved, legal, entertainment zones would be allowed to serve alcoholic beverages until 4AM.

Furthermore, entertainment services in hotels in four pilot provinces being Chonburi, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, can provide full services until 4 AM.

Anutin publicly stated that further details on the extended-hour services and related information would later be given by the Director General of the Department of Provincial Administration. However, the policy from the Thai Prime Minister will still be effective on December 15th, 2023.

Meanwhile, the Pattaya Mayor has confirmed that currently legal entertainment zones will participate in the 4AM program effective from December 15th. However, proposals to extend the zones to Jomtien, Naklua, and Easy Pattaya will have to wait until next year.

https://thepattayanews.com/2023/11/07/t ... provinces/

[Jun]

I wonder how many people are thinking "I must go to Thailand on holiday because we can drink to 4:00 am now" ?

Probably not many. Particularly since those keen to drink until 4:00am (or later) already know exactly where to go.

I would have thought the bigger loss might be from those who show up for a short holiday and find the bars are closed for some political or religious event on the day they arrive.

[Jun]

https://thepattayanews.com/2023/12/11/t ... -closings/

"venue operators will be required to conduct breathalyzer tests on patrons. If customers’ alcohol level is above the legal limit of 50 milligrams per deciliter, they will need to rest at the areas provided by the venues until they are sober enough to drive home."

Admittedly, we all know none of these rules will be implemented, but:

1 Who parks in sight of a bar ?

2 What about those of us who walk home ? Or those who take a motorcycle taxi ?

3 What percentage of customers will be below 50mg after drinking to 4:00 am ?

[Gaybutton]

Admittedly, we all know none of these rules will be implemented, but:

Ahhh yes - yet another set of very well thought through rules that will be flawlessly implemented, rigidly enforced, and with willing cooperation by all . . .

I give it two weeks, max.