The caretaker Thai Cabinet agreed this week that the three provinces of the rapidly expanding Eastern Economic Corridor, which includes Pattaya, should permit 24 hours opening of bars and clubs to boost tourist income in the post-covid era. However, this is one of those “in principle” announcements with various stakeholders still able to cancel, delay or interpret the rules more or less at free will. Certainly, the notion of the EEC business zone becoming a cheerleader for booze reform is a gaspingly original role. It’s best understood with a gin and tonic in your hand.
The secretary of Pattaya’s entertainment and tourism association, Damrongkiat Phinitkan, has made the expected announcement that the move would benefit local businesses and strengthen the Pattaya tourist industry….
