300 sign opening hours petition to Governor

PHUKET: Some 300 business owners in Patong today petitioned Provincial Governor Pongpayome Vasaputi to allow an extension of opening hours from 2 am to 5 am. The petition argued that the enforcement of the 2 am law would not achieve the government’s aim of reducing crime and drug abuse. The petition was handed to the Governor by Chairat Sukkaban, owner of the Safari Disco & Fun Pub, who said afterwards, “I explained the reasons why there should be an extension of the opening time for Patong. The Governor said it was a reasonable request but that it must be approved by the Ministry of Interior.” He added that the governor had said he would contact the Ministry of Interior immediately, and that the petitioners could expect a reply in about a week.