Most Thais are against extending the closing time for nightlife venues to 4am, according to a new NIDA poll. The findings were the result of a poll conducted between October 17 and 19 and involving over 1,300 people aged 20 and above.
Participants from across Thailand and of various education levels, occupations, and incomes, took part in telephone interviews to gauge their views on the government’s proposed extension to nightlife operating hours. It’s one of a number of initiatives tabled by PM Srettha Thavisin as a means to revive the economy and boost tourism.
According to the Bangkok Post, 55.7% of those surveyed say they never visit nightlife venues. Those who have frequented such places were questioned on how often they had done so in the past 12 months, with 57.7% saying not at all, 33.2% saying occasionally, 4.1% once a month, 2.6% once a week, 2.1% three to five days a week.
When questioned about the proposal to extend nightlife closing time from 2am to 4am, 41.8% say they believe the 2am closing time should remain. However, 8.3% want venues to close even earlier than that, and 4.4% say Thailand shouldn’t have any nightlife venues at all.
Meanwhile, 23.7% are in favour of extending the closing time to 4am, but only in popular tourist destinations. Another 17.56% say the later closing time should apply across the country. 4.3% say they have no opinion on the matter and 0.08% hold various other views, including that the closing time should be 3am.
The majority of respondents don’t believe extended opening hours will help revive the economy, with 54.4% saying it wouldn’t result in increased tourism revenue. On the opposing side, 44.3% believe it will help revive the economy.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says his office is liaising with related parties to find locations where entertainment venues would be allowed to remain open until 4 am. Once agreed, the proposal is then expected to be submitted for Cabinet approval.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
