A total of 5,785 noise-related complaints have been submitted by the Thai public since December 15, the start of a new rule allowing pubs, bars and entertainment venues in selected areas of Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui to stay open until 4 am.
The Cabinet has now directed the Interior Ministry to address these complaints. Progress on handling the complaints is expected to be reported to the PM’s Office every quarter.
While hotels are permitted to provide services until 4 am in line with national regulations, entertainment venues with the same operating hours are required to adhere strictly to relevant laws, including the Entertainment Places Act and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.
Notably, the sale of alcoholic beverages to individuals below 20 years old, and those who are visibly or excessively drunk, is strictly prohibited.
In the fiscal year 2023, the Office of the Prime Minister recorded a total of 57,399 complaints, marking a decrease from the 67,919 complaints reported in fiscal year 2022. Among the grievances, noise disturbances from restaurants, entertainment venues, or festival gatherings took the lead. Of the 5,785 cases filed, 5,607 have been successfully resolved.
Public concerns extended beyond noise issues, with 3,575 complaints related to electricity, covering requests for service extensions, increased lighting in pedestrian areas, reduced electricity bills, and a reassessment of the electricity calculation method. Additionally, 2,355 complaints were lodged concerning political matters, focusing on the election campaign, general election, government formation and the policies of political parties.
