Operators and staff from Bangla Road's entertainment venues in Patong Beach, Phuket, gathered on May 13 to protest against alleged extortion by state officials and call for expedited business licensing. The protest was led by Weerawit Khrueasombat, president of the Patong Entertainment Association, who emphasized the impact of these issues on local businesses.

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The protest took place near the Bangla police box in Kathu district, coinciding with Prime Minister Anutin's visit to Phuket. Despite hopes that their demonstration would be noticed by the prime minister, his convoy bypassed the location. Protesters held signs appealing for help from Anutin and accusing officials of exploiting entertainment workers in Phuket.

Weerawit expressed the urgent need for the government to accelerate the licensing process, especially after venues were permitted to operate until 4 a.m. Many venues have faced delays despite having submitted applications and paid requisite fees. Some have waited over a year for approval, only to face inspections and potential legal challenges.

Furthermore, issues arose concerning businesses located outside designated zoning areas, like Soi Nanai, which have operated for decades but now struggle to acquire necessary licences. Weerawit warned that forced closures in these areas would harm Patong’s economic stability.

Weerawit concluded by emphasizing the operators’ desire for transparency and communication from the government, rather than abrupt enforcement actions. They urged clarification on regulations to support the sustainability of local businesses.

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Got to love the press-friendly grand announcements from the central government and cabinet on all the lofty ideas, but then you have to figure/factor in just how corrupt and sneaky the local officials on the ground are everywhere, who have fine-tuned every possible way to circumvent all ideas and directives sent their way... yeah, a bit of a show for a while but it usually fades out like a high-toned fart does.

Even that Chinese guy with all the weapons that instigated all this was supplied with them by a bunch of rogue Thai military and official types who just are making money on the side.

Once it starts to interfere with the bottom line of local and national power brokers, then it quietly gets shelved. Foreigners and the nominee stuff is low-hanging fruit and will continue on for a while or more, but I doubt many Thais will get rounded up in this net.