Police in Phuket's fun town to enforce 2am bar closing

[bergenser1]

No problem for me, I start my drinking around 2pm and finish off well before midnight. Good night of sleep before I go out again. Can't see any problems here whatsoever.

[Pundi6446]

If you start drinking at 9:00 am, and they close at 2:00am, if you can't get drunk in between these time, and get a piece of tail, from a bar girl, then why even go at all, you don't deserve to be a drunk, like most of the patrons.

[melcoe]

I only hope they come to Phi Phi to enforce the same rule!

Am so sick of being woken up by the drunken stragglers bellowing through this tiny village at 3, 4 and 5am. Close it all down at 2am, and all of us who live here might actually get some sleep for a change.

I liked the curfew, people started earlier, and slept earlier, meaning everyone felt better the next day and could get up and do it all again, or actually go diving or on a tour or whatever... and in years gone by the PP curfew of 1am was also great. However, if all else fails, I would settle for a 2am finish!

Phi Phi's Tonsai village is far too small and cramped to continue allowing blaring music to 3am or later. So many guesthouses suffer because their customers have to put up with the doof doof noise from too many beach bars ... and before anyone jumps into say why build a guesthouse in that area... it was the other way round for most of us... meaning we had been here for YEARS before the shit moved onto the beach!

Just my two cents worth

[mumjokmok]

same same but different.

stamping passports- do your job properly.

bars closing at 2am- do your job properly.

i wonder what the controversy will be next in the Thai saga of- do your job properly.

anyway, many western nations would test out 'new' laws in only one district that may yield feedback to the problems they may face frying fish in bigger districts, well before they introduced it nationwide. pattaya and phuket maybe do not compare (in the nightlife aspect), and phuket faces many challenges at present. i personally am glad to see the army trying to kick arse down there. there is some serious money in phuket and the destination (cos it is) sorely needs an island-wide authority to protect it from being completely destroyed. i am shocked by the pics i have seen of surin beach my god its beautiful... i wish i could have seen the jet ski guys go....

[BestBitterPhuket]

They have been breaking the laws for years, bribing police and government, sex shows and lewdness and never closing when they were supposed to, and now furious??? Thailand has for decades been a buffet for criminals. It's about time the lawlessness comes to a halt.

[Alwyn]

Good...will keep some of the dross and flotsam away from Phuket..it's turning into a bidet..Pattaya is already the toilet of Thailand.

Says the man in Bangkok... Who do you think you are to imply that any tourist who comes to Thailand for a good time - into the early hours - are dross and flotsam? Self righteous, sanctimonious people like you, make me puke. Go back to your Family Mart and enjoy your beer Chang with all the other pompous dimwits and let people enjoy themselves.

[Colabamumbai]

If you life your life full time in Thailand you know as well as I do that you should be at home in bed at 2:a.m., or you are going to have problems somewhere somehow. The bottom line whether you are married, have g/f, b/f or live alone. It is past your bedtime.

[Colabamumbai]

Maybe off topic but just look at the numbers of posts of TVF the past month. Foreigners are paranoid with new rules regulations whether in Phuket or where ever. Live here legally or go home. Do not complain, it is not in the Thai nature, do not cry, that is unacceptable behaviour, do not discuss politics or who is who. Keep your mouth shut and your head down.

This used to be a nice place 40 years ago, as many of you will agree. The foreigners have brought the crime, the drugs and the increase in murders, blame no one but yourselves.

[Cthulhu]

Nobody needs to be complaining. It is in the law ! They are just enforcing it now.

Exactly the same for the border runs and back to back tourist visa crackdown.

Nothing good happens after 2am anyways... drunks and thugs out on the streets.

Good to clean it all up and get back on the enforcement.

Sez you! Absolute rot!

Anyway the original law about 2.00 am closing was passed in the 60s when Thailand had a power shortage, which it does not have now. That was a logical response to a real problem. The endless midnight, 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock rubbish came later, simply to stop people having a good time and demonstrate moral superiority.

It would be much more sensible to allow venues to open in response to demand (eg late night clubs, discos etc) but subject to there being no unacceptable trouble or disturbance to neighbouring residents; not impossible to achieve with proper supervision. Other countries with a tourist industry seem able to do this.

Edited August 14, 2014 by Cthulhu

[EBlair48]

This may be more a reflection of the fact that the current powers that be are actually enforcing long-ignored laws and regulations. We cannot (at least I cannot) applaud the ending of forest and beach encroachments and the clean-up of the taxi mafias and then complain when they enforce a long-standing rule that gets in the way of our personal fun. Special license for later hours - with set and public fees paid to the government - is much better than brown envelopes under the table.

And IF they begin to enforce no pimping laws and do away with the girlie bars? Will all the lounge chair haters get behind that one, too?

What about the nominee companies with foreigners holding land...? That one I find particularly odious.

[Cthulhu]

This may be more a reflection of the fact that the current powers that be are actually enforcing long-ignored laws and regulations. We cannot (at least I cannot) applaud the ending of forest and beach encroachments and the clean-up of the taxi mafias and then complain when they enforce a long-standing rule that gets in the way of our personal fun. Special license for later hours - with set and public fees paid to the government - is much better than brown envelopes under the table.

And IF they begin to enforce no pimping laws and do away with the girlie bars? Will all the lounge chair haters get behind that one, too?

What about the nominee companies with foreigners holding land...? That one I find particularly odious.

And the recent suggestions on here that marriage is a handy way to get a long term visa extension? There may be very good reasons to get marriage but that sure as **** ain't one of them.

Edited August 14, 2014 by Cthulhu

[EBlair48]

This may be more a reflection of the fact that the current powers that be are actually enforcing long-ignored laws and regulations. We cannot (at least I cannot) applaud the ending of forest and beach encroachments and the clean-up of the taxi mafias and then complain when they enforce a long-standing rule that gets in the way of our personal fun. Special license for later hours - with set and public fees paid to the government - is much better than brown envelopes under the table.

And IF they begin to enforce no pimping laws and do away with the girlie bars? Will all the lounge chair haters get behind that one, too?

What about the nominee companies with foreigners holding land...? That one I find particularly odious.

And the recent suggestions on here that marriage is a handy way to get a long term visa extension? There may be very good reasons to get marriage but that sure as **** ain't one of them.

. Where I'm from it is considered fraud and will land both parties big fines.

However I think there's a bit more in it for the guys than just a visa and the Thai women involved in these arrangements apparently think they have hit a jackpot securing a provider and I suppose the men get their household and spawning needs serviced, so... C'est la vie !!

[brewsterbudgen]

According to a Twitter post from the Phuket Gazette, the police are denying this story.

Sent from my GT-S7270L using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Tanlic]

According to a Twitter post from the Phuket Gazette, the police are denying this story.

Sent from my GT-S7270L using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

If that is true they should arrest the <deleted> that wrote the story and his bosses and throw them in jail.

Thailand has enough tourist problems without scaremongering media trolls writing crap

[TheWizardofRnR]

Well another Nail in the Phuket Coffin , the only thing that will save the island is turning it Duty-free and dare I say , cause I know allot of people out there are going to condemn me for saying this " Legalized Government Run Gambling Casinos "

or as the USA is doing legalizing Medicinal Marijuana use ! If you think businesses are struggling under Martial Law , 2 AM closing should make it worse , and I know there are people living there who could care less about allowing any of these

type of Businesses to operate ,, but it really will effect Phuket big time either way ! Maybe it will be a good thing , but lets see how they feel , when the workforce starts leaving and there's no body to work at the stores they shop at ,

so they have to close ! They all ready have a problem finding qualified people in many jobs. That's probably why they have so many poor quality & trouble making characters in jobs there now !

If the Domino effect occurs , the 2 AM closing time supporters will be the first ones to complain about where did our

workers go and why are so many shops closing. Phuket was built up by Party loving people , but that's just my opinion after I lived their for 25 years and have moved away to Naklua for a year now ! I watched it go downhill , especially the last 10 years.

[Larry001]

What does LOS stand for? Land of....... (many options)

[malcoml]

If bar owners had not simply paid police tea money but rather in years gone by argued their case for why they need late opening in tourist areas you would find the laws would have been changed long ago and we would not be having this conversation in 2014.

[LivinginKata]

If bar owners had not simply paid police tea money but rather in years gone by argued their case for why they need late opening in tourist areas you would find the laws would have been changed long ago and we would not be having this conversation in 2014.

I think the case was argued and that's why Patong/Phuket enjoys extended hours until 02.00

[robertthebruce]

It's like this, if they do all start closing at 2am, people will avoid Phuket and the Party Scene, which could be a blessing in disguise.

If Party People really want to party, Ibiza is the place, for hard Party Goers, as the Clubs close at 0700 in the morning, and that's great if you want that...

But as we all know Patong attracts a specialised crowd, mostly single older gents...... Which is fine, it's what they want...

Live and let live...

Let's see what happens..

[Robert2006]

Another irrational law shackling businessman in Thailand, these legislators have proven themselves the enemy of commerce. It’s remarkable to watch Thai lawmakers hang one ball and chain after another around businesses struggling to earn income; it’s a nightmare, the intellectual equivalent of being forced to work in a dystopic kindergarten class.

[fullcave]

Great. The workers could use a good nights sleep ..

[bernd1616]

wow, just great. i will go tomorrow and report to the military base because the police did nothing at all up to now at least 3 places in patong wich have open everyday from 6pm till about 7 am playing music so loud that people living closed by can hardly sleep at night after a hard working day. this "tourists" coming only to patong looking for sex and alcohol should go to the garabage place pattaya.

[Holiday Kojak]

Everyone bitches about corrupt police and public officials. When they are finally doing something about it we bitch again because it is affecting us. You want your cake and eat it too.

If they are not going to enforce a law remove it from the books so it is difficult for corruption to take hold.

It may be a little strange to most of us that laws are enforced but that is the way they do it in our countries so why should they not do it here.

My thoughts exactly seems to quite the trend on any forum regarding Thailand, complain about corruption then complain about laws trying to resolve the issues at hand. I think that 2:00 AM is a sufficient enough time to get your party on if thats what your looking for. Why do so many people think that the Thai people don't deserve to have a normal life to, so closing at 2:00 has my vote, do it and enforce it.

[louse1953]

New Orleans closing time is 1 hour - pick the hour. It is a tourist city. Locals yes but tourist first. They make a huge amount of money from the tourist. Same in Thailand. It must be obvious to everyone if you make the bars close early then less money will come into Thailand. That means police, administrators, firemen, etc will have to get laid off because of the lack of money. Besides the government all the people will have less money. It is important to recognize who the customer is then take care of them. Tourist want the bars to stay open all night. So be it. Do it. Serve and Protect the locals and tourist as the money flows in to help all of Thailand.

What about the gormless drunks that end up in hospital,with no insurance,who pays for that?Money number one you rekon.2am is plenty late enough to get hammered and still spend money on a tour ect.Actually taking care of the customer is sending them on their way at 2.A legal requirement in some countries is not to serve drunks.Your not a bar owner are you.

[Geordie59]

I thought birthdays were a reason to celebrate and have parties.......

[DrTuner]

The real problem is they've made up laws nobody wants. That's what you get when you have incompetent politicians running the show. The army had the chance to scrap them, but seemingly screwed up. So soon it's back to same same but different.

[tony5150]

Can I please buy beer at 7-11 before 5pm??? Please???

[Absolut]

Nobody needs to be complaining. It is in the law ! They are just enforcing it now.

Exactly the same for the border runs and back to back tourist visa crackdown.

Nothing good happens after 2am anyways... drunks and thugs out on the streets.

Good to clean it all up and get back on the enforcement.

Sez you! Absolute rot!

Anyway the original law about 2.00 am closing was passed in the 60s when Thailand had a power shortage, which it does not have now. That was a logical response to a real problem. The endless midnight, 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock rubbish came later, simply to stop people having a good time and demonstrate moral superiority.

It would be much more sensible to allow venues to open in response to demand (eg late night clubs, discos etc) but subject to there being no unacceptable trouble or disturbance to neighbouring residents; not impossible to achieve with proper supervision. Other countries with a tourist industry seem able to do this.

Some but not all, have a look into the new alcohol laws in Sydney, one of the worlds biggest tourist destinations. No store sales allowed after 10:30pm state wide. Lock out times at 1am and shut down times at 2am in areas frequented by locals and tourists. All due to alcohol fueled violence on the streets, and this in a country with a supposed strong service of alcohol law as well.

Residents of these areas have been complaining for years about drunks being loud, urinating in their streets and gardens, no level of supervision has been able to stop the problem.

Maybe 2am closing will work, maybe not. I can be out at 5am and not be a bother but many can't and for those who happen to live near these areas it's probably a blessing, albiet most likely short lived.

[BudRight]

Nobody needs to be complaining. It is in the law ! They are just enforcing it now.

Exactly the same for the border runs and back to back tourist visa crackdown.

Nothing good happens after 2am anyways... drunks and thugs out on the streets.

Good to clean it all up and get back on the enforcement.

Sez you! Absolute rot!

Anyway the original law about 2.00 am closing was passed in the 60s when Thailand had a power shortage, which it does not have now. That was a logical response to a real problem. The endless midnight, 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock rubbish came later, simply to stop people having a good time and demonstrate moral superiority.

It would be much more sensible to allow venues to open in response to demand (eg late night clubs, discos etc) but subject to there being no unacceptable trouble or disturbance to neighbouring residents; not impossible to achieve with proper supervision. Other countries with a tourist industry seem able to do this.

Some but not all, have a look into the new alcohol laws in Sydney, one of the worlds biggest tourist destinations. No store sales allowed after 10:30pm state wide. Lock out times at 1am and shut down times at 2am in areas frequented by locals and tourists. All due to alcohol fueled violence on the streets, and this in a country with a supposed strong service of alcohol law as well.

Residents of these areas have been complaining for years about drunks being loud, urinating in their streets and gardens, no level of supervision has been able to stop the problem.

Maybe 2am closing will work, maybe not. I can be out at 5am and not be a bother but many can't and for those who happen to live near these areas it's probably a blessing, albiet most likely short lived.

It's always the nosy, busy-body whiners who ruin everyone's good time. Some people have nothing to do but make themselves feel important by telling the cops to close bars early or fine people for littering or raise the tobacco taxes or kick out the illegals. The intolerant are the real problem. If people want to get drunk and stab each other until dawn, let them.

Edited August 15, 2014 by BudRight

[Strangebrew]

2am is fine If you haven't picked your tat by then then go home loser.