No crackdown on Patong nightlife, assures Phuket’s top-ranking soldier

PHUKET: The top-ranking soldier on the island confirmed to the Phuket Gazette today that the army and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) have no plans to crack down on the Patong nightlife industry.

“We haven’t even considered it,” Maj Gen Peerapol Wiriyakul said. “We understand that Patong is a tourist destination, and we would prefer to just let the tourists enjoy their nightlife.

“We are fine allowing Patong officials to take care of the businesses. We will not interfere as long as the businesses are not harming anyone.”

Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) President Weerawit Krueasombut was surprised to hear of reports that the army was considering a nightlife crackdown.

“First of all, I haven’t heard any such rumors,” Mr Weerawit said. “I once sent a letter to the NCPO explaining that Patong is a tourist destination, and I believe they understand the nature of Patong’s nightlife.

“I firmly believe that the army has no intention of causing any harm to Patong’s nightlife trade.”

— Chutharat Plerin