Bars Close At Midnight So

[eric1000]

Sukhumvit Road is gonna be chokablok with girls selling their pussy if they all get chucked out at Midnight . (its bad enought now with girls hawking their pussies )

And places selling rice porridge will become all night pickup joints !

Looks like you will all become afficianoes of rice porridge with a little extra on the side .

will the Thermae become a rice porridge Joint ?

this entire scheme does not sound very well thought out ,better to keep the hookers in the bars instead of on the streets.

Customers will pack out the Nana disco from midnight till 1 am . so they must be pleased

[Kiko]

Sukhumvit Road is gonna be chokablok with girls selling their pussy if they all get chucked out at Midnight . (its bad enought now with girls hawking their pussies )

And places selling rice porridge will become all night pickup joints !

Looks like you will all become afficianoes of rice porridge with a little extra on the side .

will the Thermae become a rice porridge Joint ?

this entire scheme does not sound very well thought out ,better to keep the hookers in the bars instead of on the streets.

Customers will pack out the Nana disco from midnight till 1 am . so they must be pleased

at least one advantage : Bar - fine can be used more senseful

[chucky66]

Sukhumvit Road is gonna be chokablok with girls selling their pussy if they all get chucked out at Midnight . (its bad enought now with girls hawking their pussies )

And places selling rice porridge will become all night pickup joints !

Looks like you will all become afficianoes of rice porridge with a little extra on the side .

will the Thermae become a rice porridge Joint ?

this entire scheme does not sound very well thought out ,better to keep the hookers in the bars instead of on the streets.

Customers will pack out the Nana disco from midnight till 1 am . so they must be pleased

at least one advantage : Bar - fine can be used more senseful

Its gonna be a 3 hour time slot to find your girl though and Nana disco, NEP or even soi cowboy are not designated as entertainment zones and so closing time would be midnight and not 1am.

[Spellbound]

Rice Porridge Joint's

BEST WE START A LIST !!! ( I like the "fruity bits " ) that can be found inside.

Ok, so where are they anybody know ?.

[tutsiwarrior]

as we have seen in the local press...local tourist representatives deplore this attempt by the government to sacrifice the industry in the name of a clean BKK image. It is clear that even a squeaky clean place like S'pore will allow the girls to work as well as KL in Malaysia. Sukhumvit can't handle much more independent trade that it presently has. So where does the activity go?...into the hands of the cops and Toxin's croneys with undergound venues.

You can't convince me that that moon-faced jive ass has got anything other in mind.

Let's all face it Toxin and his gang are making a big attempt to put things over on tourists and locals alike. When it backfires they will find someone else to blame.

They can't make any excuses about the shitty Thai food though...chicken or no.

Look out Toxin...if the collapse of the tourist industry won't get you some raghead organization in the South will...

[Indo-Siam]

I have real trouble seeing the midnight closing scenario come to pass. It is still quite a while until March 1st, and things have been known to reverse themselves over a much shorter peiod in Thailand.

Similarly, there is a lot of difference between March 1st and March 10th - decisions that backfire have a way of becoming short-lived experiments. It think that the ripple effect of nightlife spilling out onto the street - or the creation of "speakeasies" - may result in some quick recalculations.

Also, unless I'm mistaken, all liquor licenses held by bars over the past 10 years or so have always listed the end of liquor serving hours as 12:00 midnight - and its never been enforced. So - what the law says is not that important - it is what the local enforcement practice is that is important.

The way I'd expect things to work out is that with the early closing, a lot of bar owners will decide that they can no longer afford (and it is also no longer worth the effort) to make monthly payments to the constabulary - or they will at least pro-rate the earlier payment rates. The impact of such reductions on the Lumpini and Thonglor jurisdictions will probably be unsustainable - so they will orchestrate the downfall of the program.

It is probably a pretty good idea to give this sort of program a test run - and March is a pretty good (i.e. slow) month to sacrifice to this end. Everyone will know more about the ramifications after a few weeks experience with the new program.

My own prediction: Measure will first be delayed for a couple weeks by a lawsuit or inquiry, or similar. It will then be implemented on a trial basis. The outcome will be a spectacular, high-profile disaster. Rules will then be rewritten to include Nana and Asoke areas in the nightlife districts. Closing times will eventually be adjusted to 12:30 or 1:00 am - with loose enforcement (but everyone must be out and doors shut by 2:00 am). Or - rules will only be applied Monday night through Thursday night - or similar. Net effect: Not much.

I don't have strong conviction about my prediction - I'm just guessing at a probable outcome. But - I certainly feel that the outcome will not be as black and white as the proposed scenario - i.e. starting March 1st, an effective and systematic long-term/permanent closure of all drinking spots crisply as of midnight, every night, at both Khaosan, NEP and Cowboy (and all the peripheral spots - Sois 0, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 13-15, 22, 23, 33). Somehow, the farang areas will slip out of the noose.

What are the other possibilities?

1. Creation of "private clubs" that stay open later.

2. Exemption of hotel lounges - which become the new late night spots.

3. Bars start turning into restaurants (with strangely inactive kitchens), which are allowed to dodge the rules.

4. Gerrymandering of distrct boundaries, so that Cowboy now becomes part of Ratchadapisek, and Nana becomes part of Patpong.

5. Creative alcohol programs - late night brown-bagging ("we only sell set-ups"), private customer fridges ("buy it before midnight, store it in our fridge, drink it later") and similar.

World history is the history of innemerable "arms races" - the game is never over.

Cheers!

Indo

[piet pompies]

The Government is increasing foreign exchange to poor areas. The girls can go to Singapore and Hong Kong as "tourists", work for 30 days until very late at a rate which is 3-5 times the BKK rate and send the money home. Mother father children and "sick" buffaloes are taken care of with less effort. They stay together 4- 6 in a room so they don't get lonely when not working.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

The Government is increasing foreign exchange to poor areas. The girls can go to Singapore and Hong Kong as "tourists", work for 30 days until very late at a rate which is 3-5 times the BKK rate and send the money home. Mother father children and "sick" buffaloes are taken care of with less effort. They stay together 4- 6 in a room so they don't get lonely when not working.

A bit like they do now

[chucky66]

I hope your right indio-slam because these policies are gaining a lot of thumbs up from the thais. Im going to hold off on my visit to Thailand until the end of the year when hopefully all of this silliness will have passed over.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I hope your right indio-slam because these policies are gaining a lot of thumbs up from the thais. Im going to hold off on my visit to Thailand until the end of the year when hopefully all of this silliness will have passed over.

Out of ten million arrivals you'll be sorely missed....jeez.

[chucky66]

I hope your right indio-slam because these policies are gaining a lot of thumbs up from the thais. Im going to hold off on my visit to Thailand until the end of the year when hopefully all of this silliness will have passed over.

Out of ten million arrivals you'll be sorely missed....jeez.

Did I say Id be missed? I get one holiday a year and that holiday uses up a third of my yearly wage and the reason for my visiting thailand is for the whole package (nightlife and scenery) ....If you were me Dr patong what would you do? Go to thailand now when there is the risk of midnight closing or wait a while until you know how best to spend your hard earned money?

Sheesh!

[the gentleman]

I heard it was still 2 am closing in zoned areas - is that right?, if so whats changed?

If it is 12.00, go out earlier and take the scenery home with you at 12 - you still will have a good holiday. Also isnt the beer garden (soi 7?) open in the day?

[Bluecat]

I hope your right indio-slam because these policies are gaining a lot of thumbs up from the thais. Im going to hold off on my visit to Thailand until the end of the year when hopefully all of this silliness will have passed over.

Out of ten million arrivals you'll be sorely missed....jeez.

Did I say Id be missed? I get one holiday a year and that holiday uses up a third of my yearly wage and the reason for my visiting thailand is for the whole package (nightlife and scenery) ....If you were me Dr patong what would you do? Go to thailand now when there is the risk of midnight closing or wait a while until you know how best to spend your hard earned money?

Sheesh!

If you come for holidays, I would guess it is not for a very long time.

Some designated areas, i.e. RCA, Patpong and Ratchadapisek will still stay open up to 2 a.m. and as far as the night life is concerned, in those areas, you will still have plenty of choices,...

In conclusion, I do not really think it will affect you and other short time visitors that much,...

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I hope your right indio-slam because these policies are gaining a lot of thumbs up from the thais. Im going to hold off on my visit to Thailand until the end of the year when hopefully all of this silliness will have passed over.

Out of ten million arrivals you'll be sorely missed....jeez.

Did I say Id be missed? I get one holiday a year and that holiday uses up a third of my yearly wage and the reason for my visiting thailand is for the whole package (nightlife and scenery) ....If you were me Dr patong what would you do? Go to thailand now when there is the risk of midnight closing or wait a while until you know how best to spend your hard earned money?

Sheesh!

It is strange I know, but I can get into trouble in Bkk long before midnight. Stay home.

[chucky66]

This isnt just about closing times Bluecat. Purachais proposals are for bars to not open until 9pm in the designated zones. Many tourists, short, long term, whatever would not want to have to wait until 9pm for the bars to open? This would mean 3 hours opening for entertainment venues outside of the zones. Not every tourist/ backpacker goes drinking in the zones. What about Khao San Road, Sukhumvity, Asoke etc etc.

[Bluecat]

This isnt just about closing times Bluecat. Purachais proposals are for bars to not open until 9pm in the designated zones. Many tourists, short, long term, whatever would not want to have to wait until 9pm for the bars to open?

I never saw any meaningfull crowd in bars and discos before 10 p.m. even with the present opening time that is earlier (by the way, I read the new one is 6 p.m., not 9 p.m.).

[markt]

Do these new proposals apply to Ptty also ?

[yellowbudgy]

Rice Porridge Joint's

BEST WE START A LIST !!! ( I like the "fruity bits " ) that can be found inside.

Ok, so where are they anybody know ?.

BEST WE START A LIST !!!

( I like the "fruity bits " ) that can be found inside.

Buy one get one free (nudge nudge)

Made In China

[chucky66]

NIGHTLIFE IN PERIL: Death Knell

Published on Feb 12, 2004

Bar owners yesterday predicted doom and gloom for the nightentertainment industry as a result of the strict new midnightclosing laws.

So harsh are the new closing times, set to come into effect on March 1, that all expect a crippling drop in revenues, while many said they would have to cut staff.

Operators outside designated entertainment zones were bracing for the worst; inside the designated zones, bars can stay open until 2am and pubs until 1am, but outside the zones, midnight closing is the new rule.

Massageparlour tycoon Chuwit Kamolvisit yesterday called on people affected by the new rule to gather for a demonstration at the Royal Plaza on Saturday evening. He said the operators should have been given at least a year to prepare for the changes, not just a few weeks.

The outspoken businessman also predicted more corruption as a result of the new rules. “Initially, strict enforcement is unavoidable but as time passes you can expect payoffs. I know this well; I have had the experience myself,” he said.

Somyos Suthangkoon, president of the Association of Entertainment Business Operators, said yesterday that with shorter hours, nightspots outside the designated zones were heading for extinction.

“We are preparing to go out of business. Owners like me can easily find new jobs but I have to take pity on the waiters, parking valets and taxi drivers who don’t have many choices. They may be forced to go into crime or prostitution,” he said.

Somyos said that only 10 per cent of Bangkok’s approximately 8,000 nightspots are located in the designated zones. Of all the entertainment venues in the city, only 3,000 have proper operating permits, he said.

One Bangkok bar owner, who requested anonymity, yesterday accused the government of doublecrossing operators in imposing the midnightclosing time.

He said business operators in the designated zones had expected longer opening hours while those elsewhere believed the current 2am closing time would have remained.

Janya Saipornchai, owner of the Krungthon Complex, which is not located in any of the city’s three designated zones, said she expected a negative effect from the new closing time.

“But it’s still too early to predict whether we will have to go out of business,” she said. “I’m still in the dark what to do next.”

Janya said the business operators were given only a short period to prepare for the new regulation. She ruled out the possibility of moving her business into a designated zone, saying that in view of the industry’s current situation it was difficult to secure bank loans.

She called for the designated entertainment zones to be expanded to cover the Thon Buri area, where many nightspots are located.

In Bangkok, the zones designated for entertainment venues cover the Patpong area, and New Phetchaburi and Ratchadaphisek roads. Inside the entertainment zones, nightclubs and bars can stay open until 2am, while pubs and discotheques must close at 1am.

Taifah Chayavoraprapa, a nightspot magnate on Khao San Road, which is not covered by the zoning plan, said the early closing time would be a setback for the tourism industry and damage the nation’s status as a magnet for international backpacker tourists.

“Even now when we have to close at 2am, the tourists ask me, ‘What for?’ I simply don’t know the answer,” he said, adding that the nightspot owners had no choice but to comply with the new constraints.

He said a decline in tourists might force him to open his restaurants and entertainment venues only on Fridays and Saturdays when there were usually more customers. He may also consider relocating his businesses to a neighbouring country that aspires to attract backpackers.

Pattanapong Ekvanich, president of the Association of Phuket Tourist Businesses, yesterday called for longer opening hours for entertainment venues in the designated zones, as the island province is a tourist attraction.

An owner of a bar near Phuket’s Patong beach said that most nightspots in the area cater to foreign tourists and that there have been very few problems involving young troublemakers. He was referring to the pretext put forward by the government that the midnight closing time would protect youths from vice.

Anek Nurak, president of the Surat Thani Tourism Association, expressed concern yesterday that the midnight closing time for most entertainment venues would lead to job losses for many workers in the industry and less revenue for the southern province, which relies heavily on tourist spending.

He foresaw a drop of 10 to 15 per cent in tourism revenue due to the midnight closing time.

A business operator on Koh Samui yesterday said the early closing time would drive away foreign tourists and weaken the island’s tourism industry, its major source of income. He said fullmoon parties alone contribute at least Bt100 million each month to the island’s economy.

He said islands such as Samui and Phangan should be exempted from the new closing time as their entertainment venues cater mostly to foreign tourists.

In Chiang Mai, Somkiat Saimai, who heads an association of restaurateurs and entertainmentbusiness operators in the northern province, said that local operators had started adapting themselves to cope with the changes. Some have offered discounts and others have cut costs to survive.

In a related development, senior Metropolitan Police officers met at the bureau headquarters yesterday to discuss plans to enforce the new closing times.

Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Maj General Jetna Mongkolhathi, who chaired the meeting, told reporters afterwards that he foresaw no problem in enforcing the new closing times. Police would first focus on entertainment places outside of the designated zones, which must close by midnight, then enforce the new rules on venues inside the zones.

[Up2U]

What will happen to areas such as Pattaya's Soi 6 - where the bulk of the trade (places like King Kong, Red Spot, Ruby's and many others) are basically afternoon joints. Get blown off between 1.00 pm and 6.00 pm, recuperate and go out for a night on the town in Soi's 7,8 - Pattayaland 1-3 - Walking Street - and the rest of Party City.