“Clean’ venues win award

PHUKET: In a move to recognize “appropriate” entertainment venues, the Phuket provincial government has awarded certificates and signs to five entertainment establishments on the island under its new “white entertainment” scheme. First to receive the awards are Tai Pan and Banana discotheques, in Patong, and Collector Pub, Timber Hut and Indian daeng (Red Indian) Pub in Phuket Town, which all now display the scheme’s logo of a bee holding a Champagne glass while sitting on a sofa. Visawa Sasismith, Phuket Provincial Chief Administration Officer (Palad), told the Gazette that the venues received the awards after careful scrutiny from a committee of provincial government, district and police officers. K. Visawa explained that of the 250 registered entertainment venues in Phuket, the Phuket Provincial Police were asked to exclude any venues that had a history of criminal activity, such as trading after hours or having illegal drugs found on the premises. “Most venues were excluded because they did not comply with social order [directives],” said K. Visawa, adding that only 33 entertainment venues were shortlisted. The finalists were awarded up to 40 points for complying with the social order campaign, up to 40 points for campaigning against illegal drugs, and up to 20 points for hygiene. Venues that did not make the final 33 also included those at first-class hotels as they had already proven to their guests that they pass the criteria, said K. Visawa. Gay bars and and venues staging katoey (transsexual) shows were also excluded. “The committee considered that most people perceive gay bars as immoral and should not be promoted. Just imagine walking in to a bar and finding two men hugging each other,” he said. “The bars are not illegal but they may seen as immoral. I can’t say that they don’t deserve the certificates but we won’t guarantee them as a ‘white entertainment’ place,” he said. “Such places should not be promoted. They are not good for Thai culture,” he said. Other venues that did not make the grade may apply for certification in the next round, which will be conducted next month, K. Visawa said.