Phuket Opinion: Changing the hands of time

Jody Houton

PHUKET: Thai bars and nightclubs in designated entertainment zones, such as Bangla Rd in Phuket or Patpong Rd in Bangkok, are supposed to close at 2am.

‘Supposed to’ being the operative phrase, because a stroll down either of those streets, on most nights of the week, is sure to show the majority of the bars, go-go bars and nightclubs still open way after that time.

Yet rarely do you hear of clubs being closed down or being slapped with fines for staying open too late.

It is well known and actually, for the most part, admitted and accepted that many Patong entertainment venues, especially those along Bangla Rd, pay big bribes to various government agencies in order to stay continue to operate.

As was revealed this week, it’s actually officials from 17 agencies who are taking kickbacks.

Such pay-offs obviously make a huge dent into every company, no matter how profitable, and many companies, bars and nightclubs have had enough. It’s also a disgrace.

A letter was recently sent to the Phuket Media Association claiming that Chart Jindapol, adviser to the Office of the Thailand Trade Representative, was the bagman who was collecting huge amounts every month from payers of bribes. It was signed by the non-existent Association of Honest Patong Entrepreneurs – effectively anonymous.

This week, a month after the letter was sent, Mr Chart called a press conference and stated that it was somebody else that was raking in the B50 million a month, but did not say who that ‘somebody’ was.

The uneasy alliance among those involved in navigating the closing times is seemingly falling apart, which is no great surprise.

Times were rolled back and enforced with vigour when former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra came into power in 2001 and introduced a ‘social order’ campaign.

But holidaymakers, especially those in tropical countries, do not begin partying until late, and 2am for them is relatively early, with the vast majority of them not ready to ‘call it a night’ at that time.

When there’s been a crackdown in the past, many revellers either went back to their hotels and continued partying by the pool, or hung out on the streets outside convenience stores, the only place they could get a beer. Not an attractive sight.

So neither the tourists nor the entertainment business owners favours the law, and it has given rise to enormous corruption. It should be changed, and surely that can’t be difficult.

That it has not been changed leaves one wondering just who benefits most from the current situation, and who stands to lose the most if hours are extended.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-opinion-changing-the-hands-of-time-41662.php?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

-- Phuket News 2013-08-30

I personally like an earlier closing time. Start earlier go to bed early. However to each his own. I am in favour of closing later.

I am sure most bars just want to be open an hour-hour and half longer until 3:30 am and discos could close at 4:30 am.

If that helps stop the need to bribe officials great.

Just an opinion.

Who befeits and who loses? Now there is a tough question. Any hints?

Just realised i am a typing wizard. Befeits? I guess you can work it out that it should be "benefits".

Simple answer to all you dumb asses - OBEY THE DAMN LAW ! Then you don't have to pay bribes. I am far more worried about those who use violence and intimidation to extort protection money - now that is a real problem !

I guarentee the end user (toursit) will NOT benefit ! Create designated party zoen with specail late license, as Bangla/San Sabai/ OTOP is almost self contained anyway then it would not be too hard.

The money made back from the bars staying open late was worth the monthly bribes. I worked at a bar on Bangla and often made the monthly payments. We also had to pay to be able to put chairs and takes on the sidewalk in front of the bar. We often stayed open until 4am and never had an issue with the police unless the music was too loud, we also turned the outside barsign lights off.

The money made back from the bars staying open late was worth the monthly bribes. I worked at a bar on Bangla and often made the monthly payments. We also had to pay to be able to put chairs and takes on the sidewalk in front of the bar. We often stayed open until 4am and never had an issue with the police unless the music was too loud, we also turned the outside barsign lights off.

HOw much you pay??