Study launch to seek neighbourhoods for late partying
Bangkok city hall is scouring its zoning maps in search of areas that would allow bars and other entertainment venues to remain open until 4am.
The proposed change is the brain-child of the Interior Ministry as it seeks to boost tourism and tourist revenues in neighbourhoods throughout the kingdom. The idea has been met with criticism and oppositions from several parties, most of whom are concerned about increasing road accidents and drinking-related crimes.
An executive meeting of the Bankgok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on Tuesday, chose to start a survey on city zoning to identify areas that would allow entertainment venues of pubs, bars, karaoke joints to stay open until 4am.
City governor Chadchart Sittipunt said he has ordered his advisor Pol General Adit Ngamjitsuksri to lead the survey, which will cover new and existing night spots, including the popular Royal City Avenue (RCA) and Silom Road.
Adit was tasked to collect opinions of residents in respective zones as well as inputs from local administrations to create a suitable zoning map that would efficiently accommodate the 4am closing time policy.
Chadchart noted that the BMA has not officially discussed the implementation of the policy with the Interior Ministry. He added that the survey result will serve as a guideline for the city to adjust its regulations once the policy is effective, such as those related to noise level, road safety, and protecting youths from drugs.
“I believe the policy will be a good thing,” said Chadchart. “Currently, night venues are already opening past the curfew (of 1am or 2am) under the radar, which could be the source of illegal activities.
“Extending the closing hours would allow officials to enforce the law more efficiently,” he said.
