Vdo: Entertainment Businesses Operating In Phuket Request Extension Time Of Services

[NBT TV Phuket]

item---4-- on VDO at http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...hp?news_id=1142

Entertainment businesses operating in Phuket request extension time of services while Phuket Governor insists they must follow the law and suggest they seek approval from the Interior Ministry.

The Chairman of Entertainment Club of Patong, Sompej Mosophon, admitted that the local business operators are facing losses resulting in staff lay-offs. He pointed out sharp declines in customer numbers have forced around 30% of some 500 places, including pubs and beer bars, to close down their businesses. He also pointed out that tourists usually come out late just before closing time so their revenue is cut short, Mr. Sompej told reporters during the meeting with local entertainment business operators in Patong on Thursday. Phuket Governor, Wichai Praisangop, however told the businesses to strictly observe the law focusing on two main issues; the opening and closing times; plus not allowing minors or clients under 18 years old to enter into the premises or to use the services. The governor, who met with the entertainment business operators in Patong, on Thursday, stressed that he realized that they had to shoulder high cost expenses due to sharp declines of customers. This has led to several of them remaining open after the legal closing time. He told the businesses that he is willing to pass their request to extend the closing time from the existing time of 2am on to the Ministry of Interior, but in the meantime they must strictly obey the law. Violators will face legal action he insisted.

Andaman News NBT TV (VHF dial) at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1 at 3.30pm, 7pm, 1.30am & 6.30am, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & maybe Mazz Radio FM108 at 7pm in Phuket, Tuesday 2 June 2009 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ & www.YouTube.com/AndamanNews