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For night owls and fellow party enthusiasts exploring Thailand, the anticipation is over. Your preferred nightlife hotspots will now have the freedom to welcome guests until 4 am.
Nightlife establishments in Thailand, Bangkok included, will extend their operational hours until 4 am in four provinces.
Nightlife establishments in Thailand, including Bangkok, will now have extended operating hours until 4 am, as announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This initiative aims to boost tourism, with a trial run set to include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket. The official implementation of this policy is scheduled for December 15, 2023, aligning with the festive season and the peak of tourist activity.
While this news is welcomed by many, it’s important to note that the extension is temporary. Officials plan to convene for further discussions on the duration of this trial period. A comprehensive assessment will follow the trial to determine whether the extended hours should be formally adopted. Additionally, there will be discussions on implementing safety zones, considering the possibility of varied closing times in different areas, such as Silom and Thonglor bars closing at 1 am while other areas close at midnight.
The announcement has garnered positive reactions from various business operators, even beyond the four provinces included in the trial. Samphan Chanderm, an adviser to the Trat Tourism Council, expressed support, suggesting that expanding the policy to other provinces, including high-tourism areas like Koh Chang, could enhance tourism income.
This news is particularly surprising given Thailand’s historically strict alcohol laws, bringing attention to other issues in the nightlife scene, such as unclear zoning and allegations of establishments allowing underage patrons. The development raises the question of whether this could prompt a reevaluation of the stringent alcohol laws by the government.
In comparison to other Asian cities renowned for their nightlife, such as Seoul and Singapore, where clubs and bars often operate until the early morning, Bangkok’s new policy positions it among these cities. This move is expected to be well-received by incoming tourists, adding to the city’s allure as a vibrant nightlife destination.
