This is a business question rather than one of prurient interest. Why are the Bar Beers confined to only a few areas downtown and none in the outlying areas. Is it because the owners don’t think there would be enough customers or is there a civic mentality that wants to confine that kind of nightlife to specific areas?

They tend to congregate where the customers are.

Also, I dispute that there aren't any bars in outlying areas.. Check along the ring roads for example.. plenty. No tourists and few westerners in general go there of course, but hey, they do serve beer.

Bars, entertainment venues etc are supposed to be in dedicated 'entertainment zones'. Of course, there's always the odd one that's not.

Lots of beer bars on the ring road on the way to my house. Beer girls, good food, music and service. And very few tourists, if any. Always a good time with the locals.

There are "zooning-laws". A (Thai) friend of mine thought Ratchadamnern would be a good place for a beer bar - not allowed in this area he was told ... Don't know exactly what "this area" is, but it seems to at least include Ratchadamnern from Thapae Gate to a bit beyond Phra Pokklao

Personally I think it's great that they tend to be concentrated in certain areas - that way anyone has the freedom to choose what area to go to.

Personally I think it's great that they tend to be concentrated in certain areas - that way anyone has the freedom to choose what area to go to.

Yes, It's good to have them in zoned areas - Pity it does't apply to pig farms and motorbike repair shops ........

Talking about setting up beer bars --- a lot of difference between the hit-and-run bars, consisting of a cheap bamboo counter and a few boxes of Chang, run by Thais, and the sort of business the farlang OP might have in mind.

Both kinds of businesses, one can setup anywhere, one feels like ... The difference will appear a few weeks/months after the business started ... The usual approach of the law-enforcing guys is to confiscate whatever they concider used in the illegal business - until you pay the fine ... Well, not much lost in getting a bunch of bamboo rafts and 2 cases of Chang confiscated ... but if you've invested more than that, make sure you know the exact regulations for that exact area, you have in mind.

Personally I think it's great that they tend to be concentrated in certain areas - that way anyone has the freedom to choose what area to go to.

Yes, It's good to have them in zoned areas - Pity it does't apply to pig farms and motorbike repair shops ........