Gov proposes changes to entertainment zones

PHUKET CITY: Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura has announced proposals for new, larger entertainment zones for Phuket, subject to public consultation.

The proposed new entertainment zones, in all three districts, were discussed at a meeting yesterday at Phuket Provincial Hall.

“This is the first step in the expansion of our entertainment zones,” Gov Udomsak said. “Each district will conduct a one-month round of consultations with the public. After that, we will decide upon the most suitable locations for entertainment venues.”

The proposed new zones are as follows:

Muang district:

* North of Nimit Circle along Tilok Uthit 2 Rd up to to Phang Nga Rd;

* 200 meters south of Nimit Circle along Ong Sim Phai Rd;

* West of Nimit Circle along Chana-Charoen Rd to Tilok Uthit 1 Rd;

* Phoon Phol Night Bazaar.

Thalang District:

* 150m west from the intersection of the airport entry road and Thepkrasattri Rd;

* 100m each side of road No. 4025 (Ao Bang Tao Rd), from the intersection with the road leading to Surin Beach, as far as the Bang Tao Beach Village Hotel (Soi Hua Tieow).

Kathu District:

Patong, covering a boot-shaped area bordered on the west by the beach road, from Banana Disco & Pub to the Beach House.

The line then turns east to Sirirat Rd near Simon Cabaret, then curves north toward a point southeast of the Sun Hill, before turning northwest across Nanai Rd, jinking southwest to a point east of Patong Street Inn, about midway between Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd and Nanai Rd.

Finally, the line goes north between the two roads, running parallel to the beach, as far as the edge of the existing zone, just north of the Jungceylon site, before turning west again to join the beach road.

Wansurachart Dej-Aran, Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) of Kathu District, was in favor of the expanded zone for Patong. He commented, “In fact, there are many unlicensed businesses around Patong Beach. Why not help these bars to operate legally [by expanding the entertainment zone]?”

K. Wansurachart refuted the view that broadening the zones poses a threat to hotels as entertainment venues.

“[Actually], entertainment venues are often partly owned by hotels and some hotels even have space available for entertainment companies to rent.

“[The benefit of expanded zones is that] people won’t need to open clandestine bars because the new zoning gives them the opportunity to operate lawfully.”

He continued, “The proposed zones are good locations for entertainment venues as they are not close to residential areas, temples or other public areas.”