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In an effort to boost tourism, the Thai government has given the green light to a pilot night-time economy , allowing nightclubs, restaurants and entertainment venues to extend operating hours to 4 a.m. in four provinces and cities across the country.
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| Khao San Road, a famous tourist area in Bangkok. Photo: Bangkok Post |
According to the Bangkok Post, from December 15, some designated entertainment venues in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Phuket will be able to sell alcohol until 4 a.m. Government spokeswoman Kenika Ounjit said Thailand will also allow these entertainment venues to stay open until 6 a.m. on December 31 to celebrate the New Year.
The private sector believes that extending the opening hours of these nightlife venues fits in with the modern tourism landscape and has the potential to boost the country’s economy. However, according to Mr. Krasae Chanawongse, President of Krirk University, drinking culture must also take into account road safety and public health.
According to Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, deputy director-general of international marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the “Land of the Golden Temples” is expected to generate 1.23 trillion baht in tourism revenue by 2022, of which about 641 billion baht ($18.38 billion) will come from the domestic market and the rest from the global market. Mr. Chattan said extending the opening hours at nightclubs will have the same effect as other tourism incentives, such as visa exemptions.
Citing the examples of nightspots in Singapore, South Korea and Europe that can operate until 6am, Damrongkiat Pinitkan, an official in charge of entertainment and tourism in Pattaya city, Chonburi province, confidently said that nightspots in Pattaya are ready to operate their businesses until 4am and they expect their revenue to increase by 30%-40%.
According to observers, this is one of the moves to fulfill the government's commitment to restore the economy. Thailand's recent growth rate has been slower than some countries in the region, forcing the government to issue stimulus measures, focusing especially on the tourism industry, an important economic driver.
Thailand has also waived visa requirements for visitors from India, effective from next month and lasting until May 2024, in a bid to attract more tourists.
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