Loud nightspots face crackdown

BANGKOK: -- Nightspots which play extremely loud music non-stop will be targeted in a new crackdown to protect the hearing of young pub-goers.

After a warning campaign lasting over six months the Public Health Ministry will begin moving against nightspots this month. Operators of nightspots which have more than 91 decibels of sound non-stop for seven hours face up to six months in jail and/or a 10,000-baht fine, Health Minister Suchai Charoenratanakul said.

``It's time to start cracking down on the problem because noise pollution can cause serious hearing impairment, particularly in teenagers. Operators must realise they are responsible for a health-risk factor at their places,'' he said.

The move was in response to His Majesty the King's expressed concern that loud noise at night entertainment spots could make teenagers deaf.

Hearing can be damaged if it is exposed to more than 91 decibels (dB) of sound non-stop for seven hours.

A survey of almost 2,000 pubs in Bangkok and other cities over the past six months found the noise level in a third of the pubs was still above the safety level.

In Bangkok, some entertainment places were still measured at 144dB despite receiving several warnings.

Letters had been forwarded to Interior Minister Chidchai Wannasathit, provincial governors and tambon administration organisations telling them to take action against such nightspots in their areas.

Loud noise had also taken its toll on employees at night entertainment places. A random check on 373 workers at nine pubs in Bangkok found many to be suffering from muscle pains, Dr Suchai said.

--Bangkok Post 2005-07-07

Great news. Now if only they could do something with the noise outside the pubs as well.

A ban on loadspeakers in public areas would be a good start. Confiscate noisy motorbikes, ban open air karaoke joints etc, etc

Loud nightspots face crackdown

Operators of nightspots which have more than 91 decibels of sound non-stop for seven hours face up to six months in jail and/or a 10,000-baht fine, ......

--Bangkok Post 2005-07-07

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so stop the music after 6 hours, keep silence for a minute or so, and then keep playing the loud music again... complying to the rule. seems like a loophole..