Pattaya to trial Thailand’s new 4am bar closing time initiative

Pattaya’s legal entertainment zones are gearing up to pioneer the Thai government’s new 4am bar closing time initiative, starting from December 15. The announcement was made by Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches.

Ngampiches, in his announcement on Saturday, November 4, stated that establishments within the legally designated nightlife zones in Pattaya would be the first to trial the extended operating hours for nightlife. This change will take effect immediately after the regulation is formalised. However, businesses outside these zones will have to wait for the decision from subsequent meetings involving all relevant agencies.

Chon Buri, which includes Pattaya, is one of four provinces chosen to trial the extended closing time for nighttime businesses. This announcement was made last week by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

The legal zones in Pattaya currently encompass the eastern side of Third Road, Walking Street, and the LK Metro area. Despite this, a significant number of entertainment venues have emerged in Jomtien, Naklua, and the so-called dark side. These areas technically fall outside the legal zones due to zoning restrictions that are more than 20 years old.

The outdated zoning restrictions have prompted calls from business operators and officials for an expansion of these boundaries. Damrongkiat Pinitkan, a member of Pattaya City Council, proposed a revision during a council meeting last year. He pointed out the outmoded nature of the current zones, which were established two decades ago and no longer align with the city’s evolving landscape.

In response to these calls, Mayor Poramase directed the relevant parties to formally petition the Ministry of Interior. He also acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue.

Those businesses located outside the entertainment zones will continue to operate under the current legal closing times, which range from midnight to 2am depending on the area.

The Pattaya News reported a potential obstacle to these plans when a rumour spread that the police may not support the 4am closing time. Whether this will be enforced or if business owners will push for change by lodging complaints with the government remains to be seen, reported Pattaya News.

Follow more of The Thaiger’s latest stories on our new Facebook page HERE.