Bangkok closing times for nightclubs extended to 4:AM for 2024
The new law came into effect on New Year’s Eve
The night-time curfew for Bangkok venues has been extended.
Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the plan late last year, which came into effect on New Year’s Eve, with venues in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Chon Buri now allowed to stay open until 4:AM as of a new law.
The change in curfew is in order to boost tourism and will be re-assessed later this year with the option of other regions extending opening hours.
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Venues have been told by Pol Maj-Gen Adisorn Ngamjitsuksri, the Tourist Police Commander, that they can only operate until 4:AM if granted an operating licence under Article 3 of the 1966 Place of Entertainment Act.
Areas such as Silom and Thonglor will continue to close at 1:AM, with other areas continuing to close at midnight.
Clubs in Bangkok previously closed at 2:AM, with Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declaring that the new curfew will promote tourism.
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"We're doing this for the benefit of law-abiding citizens, so please refrain from drink-driving, carrying illegal weapons and dealing drugs," Charnvirakul told the Bangkok Post.
He added: "If everyone cooperates, we won't have any problems, no matter how long they remain open."
According to Thai Examiner, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin - whose political party led the legalisation of marijuana - believes that the curfew will require planned cooperation between police and the nightlife sector.
Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter