4a.m. Closing for bars from Dec. 15

[reader]

Good to keep in mind that not all bars and pubs will take advantage of the new ruling. Staffing may prove to be an issue because simply extending hours doesn’t mean workers will be amenable to change. And I don’t think there are a lot of readers here who are necessarily excited about the idea of partying that late. Many would prefer to be in bed with off, I’d think. Those who do enjoy the wee hours typically do it in the dance clubs. I suspect the bars in Sukhumvit area will be more enthused with the concept.

From Thai PBS World

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has given the greenlight for pubs and bars in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Chon Buri to stay open until 4am, tentatively from December 15, to promote tourism and increase revenues.

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke told the media that the government has carefully considered the proposal with security agencies and is fully aware that, in reality, many pubs and bars have been operating beyond the 2am closing time illegally and it is time to put night-life venues in order and in compliance with the law.

Apart from moving closing time to 4am, he said the prime minister has instructed authorities to look into the impacts, such as the noise problem, which may disturb people near the venues, drunk driving and drug abuse.

There are steps to be taken by agencies before the new order comes into effect. These include the amendment of Interior Ministry regulations regarding operating hours of entertainment venues, the issuance of licenses, zoning, social problems and support plans to ensure the safety of customers and the public.

Chai said the prime minister has advised that any step which can be done first must go ahead, such as zoning of the night life venues, adding that the prime minister stressed the importance of addressing the drunk driving problem.

The prime minister later told the media that the new closing time for nightlife venues is not only intended for tourists, but also for Thais whose businesses are related to tourism, such as restaurants and food shops.

[scott456]

If you are talking about go go bars, yes, they need to pay the boys and staff to extend the hours.  But for dance club like DJ station or G.O.D., there is very little extra cost to extend hours.  In fact G.O.D. usually stay open until at leat 4am (against the current law).  DJ closes at 2am sharp, that's too early.

[Londoner]

I'd be surprised if many bars stay open that long. Even in  unregulated days decades ago, 0200 was more or less "it" for go go and host bars. By then, they were almost or completely empty. 

However, I do recall a certain bar in Boyztown keeping going at full volume until beyond 03.00  a few years back. It was for the benefit of half a dozen punters. And to the detriment of the rest of us.

[TotallyOz]

 

Personally, I prefer 5PM until 10PM closing. Much easier for me.

[Boy69]

Ridiculous decision not to include Pattaya in the program. 

[Gaybutton]

1 hour ago, Boy69 said:

Ridiculous decision not to include Pattaya in the program. 

Where are you getting that from?  I have seen nothing to indicate Pattaya won't be included.

I agree with the others that can stay open until 4am does not mean will stay open until 4am.  If there are enough customers,m then they'll stay open.  I doubt the gay bar scene will have enough customers.  It's the bars that cater to young Thais that I expect will stay open.  Not necessarily every day.  My guess is the ones that stay open until 4am are more likely to do so on weekends and holidays.  So be especially cautious about where you will be staying and try not to stay anywhere near bars that likely will remain open until 4am, unless loud bar music lullabys you to sleep . . .

If the bars that do stay open until 4am are still going strong at that hour, I think just as many as do so now will violate the law and stay open beyond legal hours.  I'm sure for the first few weeks they'll be heavily scrutinized.  Then, just like nearly everything else, that will fizzle out and they'll stay open.

I wonder how that works technically.  Are there any regulations controlling what time bars can open?  I have no idea. If there are none, then theoretically the bars can close at 4am and reopen at 4:01.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

[gayinpattaya]

The only places that will stay open later are the cannabis cafes and clubs. Extended hours do not include alcohol sales. No bar or club will stay open to serve tea and coffee.

See below:-

Anutin Charnvirakul, the Thai Minister of the Interior and Deputy Prime Minister, has stated that the upcoming hours extension for entertainment venues until 4AM will not cover alcohol sales, leading to widespread criticism from business owners and tourism associations. He says that patrons can stay inside but alcohol sales will be prohibited after the legal time of 12-2 AM depending on area.

Source:-
https://thepattayanews.com/2023/11/05/thai-deputy-prime-minister-warns-entertainment-venues-that-extended-hours-do-not-cover-alcohol-sales/?fbclid=IwAR3W-0XFvZpjEfQteStRbmJ_djhrzU1XspyZmUm6PZD2HCz_NJMkGRGn9BY

[scott456]

9 hours ago, gayinpattaya said:

 Extended hours do not include alcohol sales. No bar or club will stay open to serve tea and coffee.

OK then, the new law will not change anything then.  It's true that there is no point for any bars or clubs to stay open if no alcohol sale.

[floridarob]

12 hours ago, gayinpattaya said:

alcohol sales will be prohibited after the legal time of 12-2 AM

and we all know that business owners will do everything legal....

Glad to see you're still alive, Scott456 has been posting mostly helpful posts, Riobard is missing in action, I need someone to give shit to.....welcome back 🥰

[Gaybutton]

We can't be sure yet whether alcohol sales will be prohibited after 2am in Bangkok or Pattaya.  That news says "depending on area".  In Pattaya it's anybody's guess what the local powers-that-be will do if Pattaya is in the area allowed to sell alcohol up to 4am.

It does indeed seem absurd to allow bars to remain open until 4am, but can't sell alcohol after 2am.  I guess those who want to stay until 4am would have to buy a bottle just before 2am cut-off time, which means they are likely to drink much more than they would if the bars could sell alcohol up to 4am . . .

Just another example of Thailand coming up with what may be a very good idea, but then imposing moronic rules to ruin it - if that's really what they're going to do.

Here's the latest:

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/currently-legal-nightlife-zones-in-pattaya-to-test-4-am-bar-closings-from-december-15th/

___________________________

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/special-reports/2678276/nighttime-venues-upbeat

[vinapu]

3 hours ago, floridarob said:

 Scott456 has been posting mostly helpful posts, 

I noticed it too and wonder if he is feeling well, poor thing

[vinapu]

2 hours ago, Gaybutton said:

 

It does indeed seem absurd to allow bars to remain open until 4am, but can't sell alcohol after 2am. 

 

I personally can't care less about the issue as I can't envision myself being in bar at 1 am instead of leaving , boy in tow much earlier. What I'm afraid boys may use thet extension to try to extract more drinks before they roll up their sleeves so to speak.

But I agree that allowing to open till 4 but prohibiting alcohols sale past 2 is lunatic. Hard to control and easy to circumvent.

I'll be much happier if they remove that idiotic 2-5 pm prohibition of alcohol sales even if I learned how to deal with that as well.

With 4 am extension peak hour at Foodland Patpong  may move from 2 am to 5 and early risers for reduced price breakfast starting at 5.30 may have to fight to a tables with late night crowd. 

[Gaybutton]

5 hours ago, Gaybutton said:

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

That statement gets a "Huh?  What?"  from me.  Since when is it only underage university students who try to get into the bars?  Underage kids are caught in Pattaya nearly all the time when Thai bars get raided - and probably zero of them are university students.  If they are serious about keeping underage kids out of bars, then they're going to have to do much more than merely assume it's university students they need to be concerned about.  And especially on weekends and holidays, a lot of university students do go to Pattaya.

So, Mr. Damrongkiat, to put it mildly - I take exception to your statement . . .

[PeterRS]

5 hours ago, Gaybutton said:

Just another example of Thailand coming up with what may be a very good idea, but then imposing moronic rules to ruin it - if that's really what they're going to do

Moronic puts it rather politely in my book. To allow bars to stay open till 4:00 am but not serve alcohol for the final two hours is totally nuts! I suppose there is some sort of Thai logic behind it but try telling that to tourists who go into a bar expecting a drink at 3:00 am!

[Patanawet]

22 hours ago, Boy69 said:

Ridiculous decision not to include Pattaya in the program. 

Is Chon Buri not Pattaya?

[Gaybutton]

3 hours ago, Patanawet said:

Is Chon Buri not Pattaya?

No.  Chonburi is the name of the entire province and there is the city of Chonburi too.  Pattaya is a city within the province of Chonburi.

It is comparable to  saying New York is the state and New York City is a city within the New York state.

[Patanawet]

20 hours ago, Gaybutton said:

 Pattaya is a city within the province of Chonburi.

My point exactly. Chonburi is included in  the list of 04:00 closings.

 

 

[gerefan]

They couldn’t organise a piss up in a brewery!

[Gaybutton]

If the bars really will have to stop serving alcohol at 2am, then what is the point of remaining open until 4am?  Between 2am and 4am what are they expecting the bars to sell?  Coca Cola, cups of tea, and Shirley Temples?  After 2am, what would attract customers?  I rarely even drink, but I would have zero interest in going to a bar where they can't sell alcohol.  Go for what?

For some strange reason, no alcohol after 2am seems just a wee bit on the absurd side to me.  We're talking about bars.  Selling alcohol is what bars are in business to do.  I don't know what those behind no alcohol after 2am are talking about.  That idea alone is already on my "I Don't Get It" list.

If the bars will be permitted to remain open until 4am, then let them sell alcohol until 4am.  Otherwise it makes no sense and they might as well make the bars close at 2am, which without being able to sell alcohol, most would do anyway.

Let's offer the fun and then spoil it before anything even happens.  Way to go!

[Gaybutton]

Ok, now we're back to yes, alcohol can be served up to 4am.  Make up your minds . . .
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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/thai-deputy-prime-minister-clarifies-that-alcohol-sales-will-be-allowed-during-extended-entertainment-hours-in-four-pilot-provinces/

[vinapu]

3 hours ago, Gaybutton said:

 

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.

 

one nonsesnse removed , next one is created next minute like Jomtien is another city 27 km from Pattaya or Naklua right on Lao border

[gayinpattaya]

Just as a note. 
Word is, the 4am closings, at this time, will not include Jomtien Complex. 
Maybe tomorrow that will change! Who the hell knows.....

[vinapu]

5 hours ago, gayinpattaya said:

Just as a note. 
Word is, the 4am closings, at this time, will not include Jomtien Complex. 
Maybe tomorrow that will change! Who the hell knows.....

my guess is , by Christmas Jomtien will be in

[Shonen]

I hope jomtien complex can stay open till 4. I’m often the last one to leave around 3 or so.

[Patanawet]

On 11/8/2023 at 10:57 AM, vinapu said:

my guess is , by Christmas Jomtien will be in

Yes, plenty of time for U-turns.