Tourism minister determined to get 4 am nightlife so Thailand "won't be left behind" - it's all about money

[webfact]

Daily News Thai Caption: Khao San checks

 

Tourism and sports minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan was in Khao San Road last night promoting his idea to extend closing of the country's night life until 4 am.

 

Khao San is seen as the ideal place for a pilot plan for this before it is rolled out to other tourism areas to take advantage of the next high season. 

 

His visit to the area was billed by Daily News as a fact finding mission to seek ways to get the late opening off the ground.

 

But ASEAN NOW notes that the minister's comments show he is determined to push through with the plan despite opposition from some quarters. 

 

Picture: Daily News

 

His message was quite clear - enough with the pandemic already, Thailand must not be left behind in ASEAN and the country's economy was more important than local concerns like noise or the opinion of doctors. 

 

This can be interpreted as "suck it up for the good of the country - we're going to allow late opening no matter what".

 

In order to achieve this Pipat needs to convince the CCSA or Covid steering committee and the Interior Ministry who have the final say on matters of the law.

 

Pipat was joined last night by metropolitan police bigwigs, the chief of the local police, the head of the local authority and TAT reps to help drive the message home. 

 

Some tourists even helped give the thumbs up in what was effectively a PR exercise for the minister's plans.

 

He started with a conciliatory note saying that if Khao San residents disagree then he'll go along with that but then spoke of the suitability of the area for a pilot 4 am opening plan after 3 years of Covid.

 

He noted that the area was especially busy on weekends with 60-70% of its clientele traditionally foreign tourists. 

 

Picture: Daily News

 

He claimed that the police, the TAT and the local authority all back his plan.

 

He said that 1 million foreign tourists or more are arriving each month and that from October to March this will increase as Thailand enjoys its high season and Europe, China, Japan and South Korea are in low season. 

 

"We have to open our eyes and mouths and be ready to get back to normal," he said. 

 

He could have said, open our wallets.

 

He said he understood concerns coming from some in the medical community but his job was to get money into Thailand and get the economy moving upwards through tourism.

 

He warned that without decisive action Thailand would be the slowest to reopen of the 11 ASEAN economies and it was vital to avoid that scenario. He noted that nightlife had been the last to reopen and needs all the help he can provide. 

 

Picture: Daily News

 

He would be consulting on the plan with the CCSA in September - October at the latest - to get it pushed through though cautioned about the Interior Ministry having the final say. 

 

And he said that the TAT would be liaising with businesses in Pattaya, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Samui to see if they were ready for 4 am opening too.

 

Businesses are likely to welcome the push and local opposition and that of other opponents is likely to be pushed aside for the benefits that late opening might bring.

 

Namely money. 

 

-- © Copyright  ASEAN NOW 2022-08-18

 

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[ThailandRyan]

Boy if it is money they want then just open the doors for all tourists to arrive with a Visa Exempt, take the shackles off and let the venues stay open 24 hours, make it just like Las Vegas.  Add in the casinos and the folks will stream on in

 

[jacko45k]

1 minute ago, ThailandRyan said:

Boy if it is money they want then just open the doors for all tourists to arrive with a Visa Exempt, take the shackles off and let the venues stay open 24 hours, make it just like Las Vegas.  Add in the casinos and the folks will stream on in

 

Although 'make it just like Las Vegas' does not sound too attractive to me......

[internationalism]

all night life venues, casino are related to police. If not owners, they have share in profits.

So they will be pushing for it and it's clear from this article they will approve. They are tumbing up their own particular agenda, as seen on picture above. On that picture is one tourist. No picture of the other tourists, or local residents. I am not sure many tourists would want to stay in a noisy hotel, not able to sleep.

Khaosan became already thai dominated entertainment. And they still be a large part eve at high season.

That wasn't "fact finding mission" but PR promotion. They have already said they want 8 areas in thailand with this "pilot scheme", pretty much covering all tourist places.

Pipat said elsewhere they want it to start from 1st September, but that's well ahead of high season, which starts in November.

Thailand was spared the BA.5 wave, as so  far.. Europe is tightening up it's regulations against BA.5 and BA.6 wave combined with seasonal flu - expected to spread in the Autumn.  

[ThailandRyan]

2 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Although 'make it just like Las Vegas' does not sound too attractive to me......

Yet to the Thai's who go to Cambodia they would flock to an area like that on the coast either in Chonburi, or in Prachuap Kiri Khan.  The seafood buffets which can be imported from Myanmar on the southern border pass at Singkhon would be a win win.....The Chinese would come in droves....

[ezzra]

To put it simply that everyone can understand, tourists, and mostly male tourists at that would like to party all night with no boundaries and restrictions this is why they come to Thailand and not to other countries where there's no fun to be had, so if the people who are engaged in the entertainment business don't mind, let the party continue until everyone had enough, good for business good for the country after 2-3 years of nothingness erringly quiet and darkness...

[jacko45k]

7 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Yet to the Thai's who go to Cambodia they would flock to an area like that on the coast either in Chonburi, or in Prachuap Kiri Khan.  The seafood buffets which can be imported from Myanmar on the southern border pass at Singkhon would be a win win.....The Chinese would come in droves....

Isolated enclaves in Cambodia, and probably that would be what we get here. I had a good night out in Pattaya recently, and adding up the damage to the wallet was a bit of a shock... but we don't need Vegas numbers! I think gambling is moronic!

[2long]

How can they seriously talk about this, while wearing masks?! ????????

For many many months these businesses were closed due to Covid, then oly allowed to open until 9pm, and then 11pm because of COVID... so how can they discuss opening until 4am but still wear masks?

Were they wrong last year, that Covid isn't out to get people after dark, or after booze?

Or are they wrong now to wear masks, because Covid is no longer dangerous?

Muppets, them lot of 'em. ????????

[ThailandRyan]

9 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Isolated enclaves in Cambodia, and probably that would be what we get here. I had a good night out in Pattaya recently, and adding up the damage to the wallet was a bit of a shock... but we don't need Vegas numbers! I think gambling is moronic!

I agree with your view on Gambling, but Thailand see's it differently, albeit more loan sharks will be taking homes and land in the end.

[darksidedog]

Interesting that we are still in a state of emergency over Covid, which has prevented many a political protest from taking place, yet now, in the name of money, the doctors warnings will be ignored to get that cash rolling in. Be tough to see how they can allow and encourage teeming night life without declaring an end to the state of emergency though, and I suspect when they do, we will see millions of Thais protesting on the streets, and I am not sure how good that will be for tourism.

[Excel]

Just now, darksidedog said:

Interesting that we are still in a state of emergency over Covid, which has prevented many a political protest from taking place, yet now, in the name of money, the doctors warnings will be ignored to get that cash rolling in. Be tough to see how they can allow and encourage teeming night life without declaring an end to the state of emergency though, and I suspect when they do, we will see millions of Thais on the streets, and I am not sure how good that will be for tourism.

Yes I guess TAT will have their work cut out to generate more or even maintain the current level of tourism if massive protests break out as no doubt the puppeteer will order his assassins to live fire into the crowd. That may be a pre-curser to major national  disruption and change perhaps, but prior to that will those high spending, high end tourists really want to visit Thailand when their lives could be endangered by the marauding "special ones" with their Stryker vehicles whilst going to queue outside the Louis Vuitton store to snap up that 120,000 baht ghastly looking handbag ?

[ThailandRyan]

11 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

Interesting that we are still in a state of emergency over Covid, which has prevented many a political protest from taking place, yet now, in the name of money, the doctors warnings will be ignored to get that cash rolling in. Be tough to see how they can allow and encourage teeming night life without declaring an end to the state of emergency though, and I suspect when they do, we will see millions of Thais protesting on the streets, and I am not sure how good that will be for tourism.

It will unfortunately be like 2010, and 2014, all over again.  I am sure the major areas in BKK will see the sand bagged checkpoints set-up and the State of Emergency kept in place to deter political unrest and return happiness to the people.

[JonnyF]

It seems to be finally dawning on them why people used to come to Thailand.

 

It was fun, cheap, and there were cute girls. Places opened all night, you could stagger home at sunrise with a beer/girl in hand and spend the day snoozing by the pool or on the beach (without being arrested for smoking) before doing it all again. People were friendly, smiles abound.

 

Now, Khao san (for example) has been gentrified (ruined) and all the interesting stalls removed. Bars shut at midnight. Police raids and urine tests. Everyone grumpy wearing masks or giving the evil eye to those who don't. Vaping banned. Photos of alcohol banned. 

 

Time to relax the rules and get back to the fun place it used to be. Thailand is not a high class destination and never will be. Drop the fake puritanism and the stuffy, pompous, arrogant attitude and accept what you are.  

[Excel]

2 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

It will unfortunately be like 2010, and 2014, all over again.  I am sure the major areas in BKK will see the sand bagged checkpoints set-up and the State of Emergency kept in place to deter political unrest and return happiness to the people.

Well you may have a point although I fear this time it will not just be BKK nor will it be the same numbers of people involved. In 2010 it was the "Red shirts" whose numbers were only into thousands. Since then, due to the ultra corrupt policies of a junta leader/PM, he has successfully brought almost destitution to around 70% of the population. Poverty has grown significantly as statistics show.  So tell me exactly what has around 70% of the population now got to lose further by demonstrating and taking action for major change, when this utter corruption has already deprived so many of a meaningful lifestyle ?

[Photoguy21]

56 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Yet to the Thai's who go to Cambodia they would flock to an area like that on the coast either in Chonburi, or in Prachuap Kiri Khan.  The seafood buffets which can be imported from Myanmar on the southern border pass at Singkhon would be a win win.....The Chinese would come in droves....

And so would the problems that such venues attract

[Gknrd]

Thailand is in serious denial if they think they will ever go back to the way it was..

Geopolitically in 5-10 years the tourists will be coming from Japan, India IMO. China will flood over if they ever open up. But then go into a steep decline over the next few years.

I was just in MBK for the day. And it is definitely picking up. Chinese?  Not any I could confirm. All I saw were a few europeans and middle eastern. 

In the next few years you are going to see a huge shift in countries that can afford to travel.. The US, Japan, India.  

Kinda curious where Thailand will come out in the pecking order.

 

As for expats, the only old ones staying and retiring will decline fast. 

Just my opinion, so take with a grain of salt.  

 

[Cake Monster]

Open those Bars until 4 Am, and get the Death Rate on the Roads soaring.

[Lemsta69]

1 minute ago, Cake Monster said:

Open those Bars until 4 Am, and get the Death Rate on the Roads soaring.

sounds like your Leo glass is half empty ????

[Cake Monster]

37 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

Interesting that we are still in a state of emergency over Covid, which has prevented many a political protest from taking place, yet now, in the name of money, the doctors warnings will be ignored to get that cash rolling in. Be tough to see how they can allow and encourage teeming night life without declaring an end to the state of emergency though, and I suspect when they do, we will see millions of Thais protesting on the streets, and I am not sure how good that will be for tourism.

DSD

Hasnt that been the case all the way through the Pandemic

Money before any Health or Safety

[dyertribe]

They need to get rid of the afternoon sales ban (from 7-11 etc) as well ... that never made any sense.  Last time I was in Chiang Mai, even bars were not allowed to sell in the afternoon ...

[Lucky Bones]

At the end of the day, likely this stunt had nothing to do with issues being faced.

Just a photo opportunity (but with masks???) Sheesh.????????

[johnnybangkok]

1 hour ago, 2long said:

How can they seriously talk about this, while wearing masks?! ????????

For many many months these businesses were closed due to Covid, then oly allowed to open until 9pm, and then 11pm because of COVID... so how can they discuss opening until 4am but still wear masks?

Were they wrong last year, that Covid isn't out to get people after dark, or after booze?

Or are they wrong now to wear masks, because Covid is no longer dangerous?

Muppets, them lot of 'em. ????????

No one is saying Covid isn't still around and still poses a problem for some but the economic pitfalls of keeping bars closed and the likes is just too much to ignore.

If you are double vaxed and boostered up then you should feel relatively safe (and if you're not then that's your look-out) and there's always the option of just not going to these places. Thailand needs to start treating people like adults again and giving people a choice. Just like so many other countries have been doing for many, many months.  

[2long]

1 minute ago, johnnybangkok said:

No one is saying Covid isn't still around and still poses a problem for some but the economic pitfalls of keeping bars closed and the likes is just too much to ignore.

If you are double vaxed and boostered up then you should feel relatively safe (and if you're not then that's your look-out) and there's always the option of just not going to these places. Thailand needs to start treating people like adults again and giving people a choice. Just like so many other countries have been doing for many, many months.  

I agree with you. But why do they all wear masks, if it's safer now or if they want to make Thailand look normal?

 

If I was a western tourist looking to come to Thailand, and maybe keeping an en eye on the news, as well as ever-rising flight prices, then I would think twice about coming to a tropical country wear so many people still wear masks, even if it's not mandatory.

[ThailandRyan]

1 hour ago, Photoguy21 said:

And so would the problems that such venues attract

But do you think the Government has thought of that, much like the cannabis rollout debacle they are now having to repair after the fact.....

[Photoguy21]

32 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

But do you think the Government has thought of that, much like the cannabis rollout debacle they are now having to repair after the fact.....

You would think they would but we know they wont

[poskat]

he is at least recognizing and saying that given the current state of covid, aspects other than just health concerns have to be considered moving forward.

 

the medical people dont factor the effects their decrees have on the overall economy, or other bad outcomes associated with their plans when designing them.

 

covid was never the existential threat to humanity that is was described as. 

[johnnybangkok]

2 hours ago, 2long said:

I agree with you. But why do they all wear masks, if it's safer now or if they want to make Thailand look normal?

 

If I was a western tourist looking to come to Thailand, and maybe keeping an en eye on the news, as well as ever-rising flight prices, then I would think twice about coming to a tropical country wear so many people still wear masks, even if it's not mandatory.

Since mask wearing is no longer compulsory, those that still choose to do so are excercising their individual right to choose to wear a mask. I see no issue in that. Some people are all ok without a mask, others (mostly the older generation) are still very wary and will continue to wear masks probably for a long time to come. I don't think the optics for this are a concern. Most people understand Covid now (we've lived with it for long enough) and I doubt it will put people off if they still see a lot of mask wearing going on. As long as it's not compulsory, tourists will be ok.   

[webfact]

Public consent required for pilot 4am extension of Khao San pub hours

 

 

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports will propose its pilot project, to allow pubs and bars in Bangkok’s Khao San area to operate until 4am, instead of 2am, to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), but it will have to get consent from the people living in the neighbourhood as well, said Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn last night.

 

Accompanied by tourist police and officials from Phra Nakhon district, the minister toured the Khao San Road and held informal talks with several night spot operators about the extension of operating hours.

 

He said that this pilot project has to receive the consent of most people in the Khao San neighbourhood, without which it cannot proceed, adding, however, that people in the neighbourhood will stand to benefit from extra income if they agree to the project.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/public-consent-required-for-pilot-4am-extension-of-khao-san-pub-hours/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-18

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

[klauskunkel]

Do a thumbs up:

 

and you get a free dinner:

 

[2long]

Well, this and the smell of people smoking weed, will certainly grant the govt's wish of attracting 'high end quality tourists.' ????????