Phuket nightlife venues to push ministry for 4am close

PHUKET: Patong nightlife operators will send a letter to the Ministry of Interior asking for opening times in the party town to be extended to 4am, revealed Weerawit Kurasombat, head of the Patong Entertainment Business Association.

The announcement comes after a meeting yesterday that reiterated the rules and regulations of the current ‘nightlife zone management plan’ for Patong.

“We talked to operators and owners about opening times, closing times, zoning laws and a number of other issues to ensure that all of them clearly understand what they can and cannot do,” said Chief Kathu District Administrative Officer (Palad) Pattanapong Nueklorng.

During the meeting, the majority of business operators pushed for changes to be made to the closing times of nightlife venues.

“Tourists want to party very late into the night. Some aren’t even going out until after midnight. If we close at 2am, they will feel unsatisfied with their experience in Phuket,” said Mr Weerawit. “Additionally, business owners will see their revenue take a hit. We think 4am is the best time for these businesses to close. It’s neither too late nor too early.”

Mr Weerawit told those at the meeting that he would prepare a petition for all business owners to sign before it is submitted to the Ministry of Interior.

“Whether or not the Ministry will accept our suggestion, I don’t know. However, we have to ask,” Mr Weerawit said.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong