THAILAND: According to Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, consideration of a proposal to extend the official opening hours of entertainment venues in tourist areas from 2am to 4am has been postponed by the Cabinet while other regions have requested this extension.

The minister said the proposal, which was to be considered by the Cabinet on Nov. 15, had been postponed to Nov. 29 as other regions such as Songkhla and Kanchanaburi provinces had also asked for an extension of the closure time.

The first eight provinces have requested this extension, Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Samui, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Minister Pipat has indicated that he should consider these new demands, and therefore the proposal will not be submitted to Cabinet until 29 November.

“Many areas that meet the criteria are open until 4 in the morning. These areas also require extended closing times.” said the Pipeline Minister.

“But the ministry and Cabinet need time to consider this new request.”

The rescheduling was not due to internet users or victims of traffic accidents due to alcohol, said the Minister of Finance, before adding an extension of opening hours until 03.00 or 04.00 the economies of these areas would increase by 30% to 40%.

Media TPN noted that rescheduling this decision would impact broadcasting at the venues of the soccer World Cup matches, which are already in jeopardy due to broadcast rights disputes.

Original article: Adam Judd / The Phuket Express

https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/11/14/proposal-to-extend-nightspot-closing-hours-to-4-am-rescheduled-to-end-of-november-for-thai-kabinet-pertimbangan/