Interior minister visits late-closing night entertainment areas

Speaking after visiting the areas, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul claimed on Monday that the 4am extension of operating hours for entertainment venues in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phuket and on Koh Samui is beneficial, including generating more income.

Anutin said there is ongoing discussion about future expansion of nightlife zones and extension of licencing hours in other provinces, contingent on legal considerations and community impacts.

He emphasised the need for responsibility and strict adherence to the law to ensure safety. The extension of operating hours for pubs and entertainment venues has, however, been criticised for potentially increasing accidents and crime.

The pubs are, nonetheless, required to adhere to three key procedures:

1. Monitor customers’ blood-alcohol levels.

2. If it exceeds 50mg per 100mL, there must be accommodation provided.

3. If…