Service venues will be allowed to open until 6 am on January 1st, while stringent care will be exercised to ensure they are weapons-free

The Department of Provincial Administration has ordered those under its jurisdiction to closely oversee service venues during the New Year, in order to prevent problems that may arise from the venues opening until morning.

Department director-general Charnchai Sunthorramat (ชาญชัย สุนทรมัฏฐ์) said district and subdistrict officials and policemen have been told to check on service venues during the holiday period. The venues are to operate per normal hours during the Christmas festival, but on New Year Eve they will be permitted to open until 6 AM on January 1st.

This allowance is in accordance with the law and has been in effect every year. However Mr. Charnchai said officials have been told to watch over the venues that are at risk of crimes, drugs and incidents.

He added that stringent care will be taken so that weapons are not brought into the service venues.

As for the south, Mr. Charnchai said there need not be worries as meticulousness is already exercised while caretaking measures have also been added.

He said that there may only be some service venues that open during the New Year.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 December 2006

Sorry, perhaps I am stupid.

WHAT "service venues" are we talking about here?

Petrol Service stations?

Service ladies?

Sorry, perhaps I am stupid.

WHAT "service venues" are we talking about here?

Petrol Service stations?

Service ladies?

I think he means bars.....

This happens every day though!!!

So they have shut down ALL the bars in Thailand and now called them "Service Venues"....

Tourists will love that......if they can fig....