Thailand allows nightclubs, bars to remain open for longer duration

As tourism picks up, top tourist destinations are going all out to woo travellers across the globe. After Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka made travel to their respective countries visa free for Indian passport holders, in an aggressive move, the Kingdom of Thailand is granting longer operating hours to nightclubs and other entertainment venues.

The move is expected to bolster the tourism sector, according to an approval of the ministerial regulation by the country’s cabinet. In popular tourist destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Ko Samui, entertainment venues, clubs, and karaoke bars will be permitted to extend their closing times by an additional two hours, stretching operations until 4 am.

This follows the government’s earlier measures, including the September decision to waive visa requirements for Chinese visitors, a pivotal source of tourism for Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.

Also read:

Thailand has hosted 24.5 million foreign tourists this year, with a projected 28 million arrivals by year-end. While a significant recovery from the pandemic-induced downturn, it remains a notable decline from the pre-pandemic peak of 39.9 million arrivals, including 11 million from China. This year, the government anticipates approximately 3.5 million arrivals from China, underscoring the ongoing efforts to stimulate and rejuvenate the tourism sector.

Meanwhile, Malaysia announced on November 27 that it will grant a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian and Chinese citizens from December 1. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced the decision, which comes on the heels of Thailand and Sri Lanka offerring similar facility to foreigners to Indian passport holders to promote tourism.

Ibrahim said the waiver was an additional facility to the existing visa exemptions currently enjoyed by Gulf nations and other West Asian countries, including Turkiye and Jordan.

However, Ibrahim, who is also the Finance Minister, said the visa exemption was subject to top security screening, the official Bernama news agency reported.

“Initial screenings will be conducted for all tourists and visitors to Malaysia. Security is a different matter. If there are criminal records or the risk of terrorism, they will not be allowed to enter,” he said.

“That comes under the authority of the security forces and immigration,” said the prime minister, who is likely to travel to India in the first half of next year in reflection of the growing upswing in overall ties between the two nations.

Malaysia is a member of the 10-member ASEAN or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc, which is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region.

The 30-day visa-free entry is also currently enjoyed by eight ASEAN countries for the purpose of social visits, tourism and business.