No late openings in Patong for World Cup

PHUKET: The key representative for Patong’s nightlife industry today confirmed that bars in Patong have not requested extended trading hours so that tourists could enjoy World Cup matches live on television.

“We haven’t considered asking for extended trading hours as we don’t think the extra hours are worth it,” said Weerawit Krueasombut, President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association.

“We think that the tourists who enjoy the nightlife in Patong will not take the World Cup too seriously,” he said.

“Most of them love to have fun, hanging around, drinking in bars. We are happy to be open for our regular trading hours.”

Mr Weerawit pointed out that the extended hours would require staff to work longer hours.

The regular kickoff times for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, which gets underway at 3am in Phuket on Thursday, are set at 11pm, 2am and 5am Phuket time.

“We are not confident entertainment venues benefit from staying open all the extra hours required so that people can watch the matches,” Mr Weerawit.

However, the nightlife boss noted that avid football fans visiting the island could still watch the early-morning matches in the comfort of their hotels.

— Woranut Pechdee