Thailand to allow bars in tourist precincts to open until 4 am

By Hoang Phong November 1, 2023 | 12:08 am PT

Tourists at a bar on the Soi Cowboy touristic street in Bangkok. Photo by AFP

The Thai government will allow bars and nightclubs in some designated tourist areas to stay open until 4 a.m. as part of efforts to boost the nighttime economy.

Starting from the upcoming New Year holiday, bars and other entertainment places in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, Thailand’s popular tourism hotspots, can stay open until 4 a.m. instead of 2 a.m., Thai’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told the press as cited by Bangkok Post.

The policy will be officially approved by the Cabinet next month ahead of the New Year festival.

The extension of opening hours will be gradually applied across the country, starting with localities popular with foreign tourists, according to Phuket News.

However, entertainment venues must pledge their premises are free of crime during the extended operating hours.

Southeast Asia's second-largest economy has one of world's busiest nightlife scenes, from high-spirited clubs and go-go bars to night markets and street food.

Thailand is seeking ways to revive tourism during the peak travel season and targets 25 million foreign arrivals this year.

It has received 19 million so far.