17 hours ago, KannikaP said:

At the moment bars open around 6pm until 2am.= 8 hours. 2 more hours is 25% longer. Will they make 25% more PROFIT between 2 & 4am? Answer is NO. 

I would suggest your info is wrong.  Strictly bars may be open those hours but take a lookat how many "bars" there actually are.  Most serve food which means that they are open for breakfast and yes erving drinks at that hour.

 

Take a stroll through NANA and you will see all the places like Game, Stumble inn and others that are open and the punters are having a beer.  Soi 11 is the same.  

 

That is one of the areas that i think Patpong and Cowboy are missing.  

13 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Can't have a drink outside, and bar raids with police asking you to pee into a cup still going on. - Yeah, my kind of a holiday... 😂 

"Yeah, my kind of a holiday..."

No one to blame but yourself if you're going to that kind of bar.   I'm curious to know how many times have you been asked to piss into a cup for the police?

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

PATTAYA - Thailand is set to extend bar and nightclub operating hours until 4 AM starting January 1, a decision sparking diverse reactions from tourists, locals, and residents. The government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, aims to boost tourism and support the nightlife economy with this move. However, critics warn it could lead to increased alcohol-related incidents and neighborhood disturbances.

 

This policy comes amid existing concerns about Thailand’s road safety and late-night violence. Many observers argue that the extended hours might exacerbate these issues. Some locals and expatriates feel the government is prioritizing commercial interests over citizen welfare, especially in a transitional period with ongoing infrastructure, healthcare, and law enforcement challenges.

 

Supporters believe the policy could revitalize nightlife tourism and benefit entertainment industry workers. They argue that with proper regulation, the potential economic gains outweigh the risks. The plan aims to attract more international visitors and help businesses recover from recent downturns.

 

Despite assurances, skepticism persists about the policy's potential negative consequences. Critics fear it could increase public disorder, noise levels, and safety hazards. In places like Pattaya, renowned for its nightlife, there are concerns about worsening tensions between entertainment districts and nearby communities.

 

Looking ahead, the government will need to balance these opposing views while implementing the policy. Effective regulation and enforcement will be key to addressing safety concerns and minimizing disruptions. As the January implementation date approaches, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand to extend bar hours to 4 AM, aiming to boost tourism.
• Critics fear rise in alcohol-related issues and public disturbances.
• Effective regulation and enforcement will be crucial for success.

 

Related Stories:

Debate Heats Up as Thailand Considers Bar Hour Extension

Anutin Plans to Scrap Alcohol Zoning, Extend Hours to 4AM

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Pattaya Mail 2025-10-28

 

 

 

It is a take or leave it situation isn't it?

 

The bars areas are in non-residential areas so the people visiting those areas at 03:30 am are doing so at their own risk.

 

There is no risk to other drivers at 3am as most of us will be asleep and away from it all.

 

What is the problem?

 

The 2 to 5pm rule was introduced to stop government workers from taking extended lunch breaks and drinking during working hours.

 

I don't drink during the day but if some do then they can easily buy a few crates of beer in advance to get around the ban on the sale of alcohol.

 

I don't know what all the fuss is about.

 

 

When big news is no news at all.

Bars are already allowed to open until 4am. This measure was put in place, from memory, when Prayut was in or if not, very shortly after.

For those that don't believe me and are in Pattaya, have a look around Soi Buakhao at 3.30 am any night of the week.

What a bunch of whiners.

 

Ain't yo country, boys. If you don't like bars open to 4am, don't go. 

22 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Bit of a misleading headline. I read this and thought that this has been passed. Personally I think that 4:00 am probably isn't the best thing but definitely scrap the 2-5 insanity and open up at 8 or 9 in the morning.

In my Village Bang Saray/Sattahip most of the venues close at 10pm even on Saturday anyway. 

But I fully agree with you about this 2-5 insanity

21 minutes ago, Beerfinisher said:

In my Village Bang Saray/Sattahip most of the venues close at 10pm even on Saturday anyway. 

But I fully agree with you about this 2-5 insanity

I hope you also agree that starting to sell at 11:00 is also insane. When it's summer and stinking hot doing the shopping at Big C or wherever early before the heat sets in is ideal. What isn't ideal is at 9:00 in the morning it's not possible to buy some booze at the same time.

Anutin wants to move the focus away from reforming the Cannabis laws, but the 2-5pm law achieved nothing that made any sense so thats a good idea to change that, but 4am, more drunks, more socially unacceptable behaviour, more accidents and so it goes on. If you are a tourist and can't get enough alcohol by 2am then maybe thats not the type of tourist that Thailand should be attracting!!

I shouldn't imagine remaining open after 2pm will bring much more business - just a slack handfull of pissheads nursing their beers!

 

Been there, done that, any remaining tee shirts now used to mop the floors!

Whenever they talk about Walking Street, they show an old photo from when it was beautiful, with all the bright lights catching your eye like in Las Vegas.

Now they've ruined its special charm, and it looks like just another street.

20 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Thailand is aiming on tourists who will drink all night??? ... there will be more accidents, problems, fighting and drugs abuse... 

 

In Angeles City, go-go dancers and nightclubs are open 24 hours and there are no security problems.

 

 

On 10/28/2025 at 10:09 AM, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

PATTAYA - Thailand is set to extend bar and nightclub operating hours until 4 AM starting January 1, a decision sparking diverse reactions from tourists, locals, and residents. The government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, aims to boost tourism and support the nightlife economy with this move. However, critics warn it could lead to increased alcohol-related incidents and neighborhood disturbances.

 

This policy comes amid existing concerns about Thailand’s road safety and late-night violence. Many observers argue that the extended hours might exacerbate these issues. Some locals and expatriates feel the government is prioritizing commercial interests over citizen welfare, especially in a transitional period with ongoing infrastructure, healthcare, and law enforcement challenges.

 

Supporters believe the policy could revitalize nightlife tourism and benefit entertainment industry workers. They argue that with proper regulation, the potential economic gains outweigh the risks. The plan aims to attract more international visitors and help businesses recover from recent downturns.

 

Despite assurances, skepticism persists about the policy's potential negative consequences. Critics fear it could increase public disorder, noise levels, and safety hazards. In places like Pattaya, renowned for its nightlife, there are concerns about worsening tensions between entertainment districts and nearby communities.

 

Looking ahead, the government will need to balance these opposing views while implementing the policy. Effective regulation and enforcement will be key to addressing safety concerns and minimizing disruptions. As the January implementation date approaches, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand to extend bar hours to 4 AM, aiming to boost tourism.
• Critics fear rise in alcohol-related issues and public disturbances.
• Effective regulation and enforcement will be crucial for success.

 

Related Stories:

Debate Heats Up as Thailand Considers Bar Hour Extension

Anutin Plans to Scrap Alcohol Zoning, Extend Hours to 4AM

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Pattaya Mail 2025-10-28

 

 

Say what??? I was sitting in a bar in LKMetro last night

 

On 10/28/2025 at 10:09 AM, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

PATTAYA - Thailand is set to extend bar and nightclub operating hours until 4 AM starting January 1, a decision sparking diverse reactions from tourists, locals, and residents. The government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, aims to boost tourism and support the nightlife economy with this move. However, critics warn it could lead to increased alcohol-related incidents and neighborhood disturbances.

 

This policy comes amid existing concerns about Thailand’s road safety and late-night violence. Many observers argue that the extended hours might exacerbate these issues. Some locals and expatriates feel the government is prioritizing commercial interests over citizen welfare, especially in a transitional period with ongoing infrastructure, healthcare, and law enforcement challenges.

 

Supporters believe the policy could revitalize nightlife tourism and benefit entertainment industry workers. They argue that with proper regulation, the potential economic gains outweigh the risks. The plan aims to attract more international visitors and help businesses recover from recent downturns.

 

Despite assurances, skepticism persists about the policy's potential negative consequences. Critics fear it could increase public disorder, noise levels, and safety hazards. In places like Pattaya, renowned for its nightlife, there are concerns about worsening tensions between entertainment districts and nearby communities.

 

Looking ahead, the government will need to balance these opposing views while implementing the policy. Effective regulation and enforcement will be key to addressing safety concerns and minimizing disruptions. As the January implementation date approaches, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand to extend bar hours to 4 AM, aiming to boost tourism.
• Critics fear rise in alcohol-related issues and public disturbances.
• Effective regulation and enforcement will be crucial for success.

 

Related Stories:

Debate Heats Up as Thailand Considers Bar Hour Extension

Anutin Plans to Scrap Alcohol Zoning, Extend Hours to 4AM

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Pattaya Mail 2025-10-28

 

 

Say what??? I was sitting in a bar in LK Metro last night at 4-15 and many other bars still open. So what’s this crap about letting them when its already going on. 🤷🏼

4 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I hope you also agree that starting to sell at 11:00 is also insane. When it's summer and stinking hot doing the shopping at Big C or wherever early before the heat sets in is ideal. What isn't ideal is at 9:00 in the morning it's not possible to buy some booze at the same time.

My local mom and pop booze wholesaler opens at 7am.

 

I'd expect there is on in your area if you look.

20 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

My local mom and pop booze wholesaler opens at 7am.

 

I'd expect there is on in your area if you look.

I'm well aware of mom and pop shops. As for one in my area there are several within minutes of my home. I'm also well aware that bottles of wine are not sold in them along with a whole lot of other types of alcohol which are available at Big C, Lotus etc. but only available as it is from 11:00-2:00 and 5pm until they close. 

6 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I'm well aware of mom and pop shops. As for one in my area there are several within minutes of my home. I'm also well aware that bottles of wine are not sold in them along with a whole lot of other types of alcohol which are available at Big C, Lotus etc. but only available as it is from 11:00-2:00 and 5pm until they close. 

 

Sucks to be you then.

 

Enjoy the heat at 11.00 am !

2 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Sucks to be you then.

 

Enjoy the heat at 11.00 am !

Silly comment. If you think alcohol sales at Big C, 711 etc. starting at 11:00 am is ok there's something wrong with you.

2 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Silly comment. If you think alcohol sales at Big C, 711 etc. starting at 11:00 am is ok there's something wrong with you.

 

I do not buy alcohol at BigC or 7/11 so really do not give a flying <deleted> about selling times.

 

If it is such an issue for you plan ahead and buy in bulk.

13 hours ago, paul1804 said:

Anutin wants to move the focus away from reforming the Cannabis laws, but the 2-5pm law achieved nothing that made any sense so thats a good idea to change that, but 4am, more drunks, more socially unacceptable behaviour, more accidents and so it goes on. If you are a tourist and can't get enough alcohol by 2am then maybe thats not the type of tourist that Thailand should be attracting!!

I think the local administration is applying some simplistic and naive thought process that being open longer automatically means more money to be made. I can see the afternoon hours yielding business, but wonder how much benefit the extra couple of  hours after 2am will bring, with the negative impacts considered. Maybe punters need 2 more hours drinking to make the modern crop of bargirls look fineable maybe?. 

15 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

I do not buy alcohol at BigC or 7/11 so really do not give a flying <deleted> about selling times.

 

If it is such an issue for you plan ahead and buy in bulk.

It's not all about YOU it's about sensible sales times. Your opinionion is as self-centred as it gets.

Wasn’t that infamous and vile Den of Iniquity on Soi Marine open all night?

 

JP BAR

5 minutes ago, Rocky Sullivan said:

Wasn’t that infamous and vile Den of Iniquity on Soi Marine open all night?

 

JP BAR

Yes,  a bit of a zoo too it was. 

11 hours ago, Espanol said:

 

In Angeles City, go-go dancers and nightclubs are open 24 hours and there are no security problems.

 

 

I've seen it's turned into little Korea. Don't know if this is actually the case.

17 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

The 2 to 5pm rule was introduced to stop government workers from taking extended lunch breaks and drinking during working hours.

True but it lapsed then Thaksin came in and enforced it citing 'protecting' school children. This was in 2004.

7 hours ago, dinsdale said:

True but it lapsed then Thaksin came in and enforced it citing 'protecting' school children. This was in 2004.

 

I lived in Rayong for six months and there was a local family beer and alcohol suppliers, I could buy boxes of beer at any time even during the banned Bhudist days of the year.

 

There is probably one of those in every village and town. 

8 hours ago, dinsdale said:

It's not all about YOU it's about sensible sales times.

And yet it is you who is crying about.

4 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

And yet it is you who is crying about.

I'm pointing a situation regarding a rediculous time to start be able to buy alcohol at Big C, 711 etc. This effects all of Thailand and it should be changed not just because that's what I want. I'll bet I'm not the only one on this forum who would like to be able to buy alcohol at the same time as buying groceries in the morning before the heat sets in. Your attitude is it doesn't affect me so I don't care. Like I said, self-centred.

Just now, dinsdale said:

I'm pointing a situation regarding a rediculous time to start be able to buy alcohol at Big C, 711 etc. This effects all of Thailand and it should be changed not just because that's what I want. I'll bet I'm not the only one on this forum who would like to be able to buy alcohol at the same time as buying groceries in the morning before the heat sets in. Your attitude is it doesn't affect me so I don't care. Like I said, self-centred.

Ridiculous for stubborn non-Thai's that refuse to think outside the box or carry some stock on hand at home.

8 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

Ridiculous for stubborn non-Thai's that refuse to think outside the box or carry some stock on hand at home.

Being able to do shopping at 9:00 in the morning buying groceries and alcohol on what's going to be a 45 degree day has nothing to with being stubborn or thinking out of the box as you say. What it is and should be, is normal. What isn't normal is not being allowed to buy alcohol along with groceries at 10:59 in the morning.

10 hours ago, jacko45k said:

I think the local administration is applying some simplistic and naive thought process that being open longer automatically means more money to be made. I can see the afternoon hours yielding business, but wonder how much benefit the extra couple of  hours after 2am will bring, with the negative impacts considered. Maybe punters need 2 more hours drinking to make the modern crop of bargirls look fineable maybe?. 

Yes but there is the problem, you mentioned the phrase, "Thought process" I think your point is absolutely right about the 2 - 4am and I think most of us agree that the 2 - 5pm closure achieves nothing that makes good sense and lifting the ban is more of a convenience than a noticeable increase in alcohol sales. Lets face it, there are so many Mom & Pop outlets that are very flexible when it comes to collecting a few extra baht so you can pretty much get a beer anytime of the day or night!! The authorities thinking this will mean substantial increases in alcolhol sales are dreaming! 

The dinosaurs on the sparking trip again - get them from below their stones into the 21st century, legalize what is going on now already and focus on the real issues of this country ......... hopeless kindergarten!