Patong 1 am Closing Time !!

[pigandwhistle]

Hello
This was taken from the Phuket Gazette Today !!

Anger greets 1 am closing time


PATONG: From March 1, bars and entertainment venues on Phuket will have to close at 1 am, an hour earlier than they do at present.

The early closing edict was decided at a meeting of the Cabinet in Bangkok yesterday.

The decision effectively designates the entire island as one large entertainment zone, leaving people in the after-dark industry exasperated and angry at the national government’s move to curtail trading hours.

While Phuket escaped the midnight closure that will be enforced on some other parts of the country, Patong Entertainment Business Association President Somphet Moosopon was dismayed.

He told the Gazette from Bangkok – where he had been lobbying against a change – “We have to do something. We will discuss this when I get back to Phuket tomorrow.”

One angry entertainment business owner told the Gazette today that the government’s move was a blow to the tourism industry.

“Closing at 2 am is already a pain for us. Closing at 1 am will bring slow death. It affects not only the entertainment business; it also affects hotels, motorcycle taxis, souvenir shops and so on,” he said.

“Why don’t they just close Patong down?

“I don’t understand the government. They have concluded that all parts of Thailand are the same, which is simply not the case.

“Patong is a place for foreigners – Thai students can’t afford Patong,” he said, referring to the stated aim of the earlier closing hour – to shield young Thai people from sin.

Wisut Romin, Deputy Chief of the Phuket Provincial Governmental Division, told the Gazette that officials will meet representatives of the entertainment industry soon.

“We have a plan to follow so that they understand government policy in Phuket,” he said, adding, “We know that they are not happy with this policy because it’s not good for their businesses.”

Meanwhile, the Cabinet is looking at another plan – to introduce a curfew for youngsters. The plan requires everyone under the age of 18 to stay at home after 10 pm unless accompanied by an adult.

[freshc]

Oh that's just great! And I'll be there in early March! Can't believe the bars are going to be closing so dam early!

[mikegb]

Hi,

Its not the end of the world.

I can guarantee that you will ALWAYS find somewhere else to have another drink if you want. When places close at 2am or 3am I know other bars where you can get drink.

You might actually find it makes your holiday better because you might do a few different things that you wouldnt normally have done.

I remember me and my friend had been to Patong, then went to Samui for a week, then returned to Patong for the last week. On the day we arrived for the second time, we walked into one of our usual bars, and the girls said "Why you come back today?"

"To have more fun" I replied.

"Everything close 6pm today"

"Very funny" I said.

"Weeely !!!! Bereeve me !! Bars closed for 2 days because of religion holiday"

Did we cry about it? Did we fcuk !!

We bought lots of beer and wine from the 7-11 and took 10 bar girls to our hotel and partied all night at the pool. It was brilliant !

If things close early, then maybe people will party in their rooms, or on the beach like they do in Samui.

People will ALWAYS do what they want to do. Be flexible and open to a few different ideas and it might be the best holiday you ever had !

[DREW]

I'm off to Singapore for 2 weeks in April, then 1 week in Samui and a week in Phuket.

Different customs, differenet cultures etc.

I know a lot of the guys were saying that some of the 'magic' had gone for them- that's because they go back to the same place every year-

Its never the same- its like when you were a kid- everything seemed bigger, blue peter was worth watching, your chopper bike was cool and if that wasn't working then the 'space hopper' would do.

You can't keep going back on your 'chopper' bike and wondering why it has lost its magic. Get out and find the new things that will take the place of the drive from the airport, the walk down the beach road (before you found Soi Bangla) the afterhours drinking den and above all the women, their games and their moods; once you know them all; you have to move on and find something new.

How many of us just slip back into the same hotel, beach, bars, reastaurants and routine (and I'm guilty of it) we had last time and then wonder why it was not quite so exciting- because we knew everything and nothing was a surprise. and then even went looking for the same girls and were dissapointed because she didn't like me or give me the same attention etc.

Got to move on Giys

Drew

[Werwolf]

I totally agree with Mike and Drew.
If you want to have fun, you find it on other places like the room, beaches or elsewhere. If something changes some say the flair has gone. I don’t say the flair is gone – it’s a new flair and I enjoy the new things and have fun in a new /different way.

[chucky66]

Originally Posted by Werwolf

I totally agree with Mike and Drew.
If you want to have fun, you find it on other places like the room, beaches or elsewhere. If something changes some say the flair has gone. I don’t say the flair is gone – it’s a new flair and I enjoy the new things and have fun in a new /different way.

Its good to see some optimistic opinions come out of all this change in what is largely thought on this and many other thai forums by many members to be a very bad move indeed.

[IRISH JONNY]

Originally Posted by freshc

Oh that's just great! And I'll be there in early March! Can't believe the bars are going to be closing so dam early!

YEP......I GOTTA AGREE WITH MIKEEE ON THIS ONE............U JUST GOTTA USE URE IMAGINATION.........WE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM LAST JULY ..12 AND 13 I THINK.......THEY WERE BUDDAH HOLIDAYS...........SO WE JUST GOT LOADS OF THAI WHISKEY AND HAD THE MOTHER OF ALL PARTIES FOR TWO DAYS .THE BEACH WASNT THE SAME AFTER US........BUT WE DID CLEAN IT UP....WITH THE HELP OF SOME LOCALS WHO HAD JOINED THE PARTY.........PATONG IS JUST ONE BIG PARTY.BARS OPENED OR CLOSED..ITS WHAT U MAKE OF IT URESELF....
TAKE CARE AND HAVE A COOL HOL.........
JONNY

[chucky66]

My problem with that IJ and with Mike is that if enforced the new laws wont be just for a day or two but will leave an indefinite footprint in Phukets active nightlife scene. Besides thing seem to be working pretty well as they stand in Phuket dont they? why change it if its broken? Surely if this crackdown is aimed at keeping thai kids away from drugs and vice then the 10pm curfew law will keep the little ones at home? Why does Thailand need both decreased number of opening times and a curfew to curb this problem?
Your beach party sounded fun but the thai taxi drivers, food stalls, bars, restaraunts, hotels, discos, go-gos etc etc still need to earn money to keep its staff employed and how would they do that if the 'new flair' of things (i.e: 9pm until midnight opening, 9pm until 1am closing etc etc) starts occurring?

[freshc]

Your absolutly right! No doubt I'll find a bottle of beer with my name on it...

[freshc]

Originally Posted by freshc

Your absolutly right! No doubt I'll find a bottle of beer with my name on it...

Still getting used to this forums format... I was replying to pigandwhistle post.

[butterflyblonde]

I have to agree with the idea of finding your own entertainment too , luckily for me i have quite a few friends in patong thai and western, i dont just go to bars every night because its very boring if you sit there night after night same routine over and over , i only go bars 1 or 2 nights then have a break from it for 1 or 2 , then maybe back again , i usually see my friends at their apartments and we have parties there , last time i stayed at a friends who lives in the hills and we had beers , vodka , whisky and a great BBQ , that night was just as entertaining for me as it would have been at beer bars or tai pan disco. there are plenty of things to do if you look for them or make them happen . like this year i will spend a few days with my thai g/f at her familys home , im looking forward to that and have done this kind of thing before , i will probably go to one of those thai folk music concerts as well because its something different to do . your holiday is what you make of it and dont forget to try more of those daytime actvites , i myself may try that new submarine , 7 weeks to go and counting

[Werwolf]

Originally Posted by chucky66

..........Your beach party sounded fun but the thai taxi drivers, food stalls, bars, restaraunts, hotels, discos, go-gos etc etc still need to earn money to keep its staff employed and how would they do that if the 'new flair' of things (i.e: 9pm until midnight opening, 9pm until 1am closing etc etc) starts occurring?

That is another problem. You are right: a lot of people are earn less money and some will be unemployed.
Then the government have a new problem: dissatisfied people!!!! What dissatisfied people can do – I think the most of the member know – they drink, take drugs, steal, become a robber, and so on!
Another problem: more people are out of control, because they go now to the flats of the BG (or other places) and have a “big fete” with alcohol ........!
I guess some smaller Hotel will get also problems with the safety if more people in a room and have parties!
I don’t want paint a bad picture for the future. I must take how it comes and hope for the best.
I’m optimistic!!

[Ewan Hoozarmy]

Even if the worst does happen, and the 1 am closing time does indeed affect local business/tourist numbers etc, I wonder if it will ever change back again?

With the thai obsession of not wanting to "lose face", I would have thought Thaksin and govt. would not want to reverse the ruling whatever the cirumstances. I'm sure they wouldn't want to be seen as making a wrong decision.

Or would they be willing to lose face for the good of their country?

Who knows... TIT

[butterflyblonde]

Originally Posted by Ewan Hoozarmy

Even if the worst does happen, and the 1 am closing time does indeed affect local business/tourist numbers etc, I wonder if it will ever change back again?

With the thai obsession of not wanting to "lose face", I would have thought Thaksin and govt. would not want to reverse the ruling whatever the cirumstances. I'm sure they wouldn't want to be seen as making a wrong decision.

Or would they be willing to lose face for the good of their country?

Who knows... TIT

If this decision does affect business resulting in the loss of millions of thai baht these ministers will end up looking foolish anyway

[Swishtz]

Ok lets hope they review the other announcement
__________________________________________________ __


RULES FOR YOUNGSTERS: Adisai orders curfew review

Published on Feb 13, 2004


'Outdated, impractical' regulations to be scrapped; minister to oversee fresh draft

Youngsters' virtual sighs of relief could be heard yesterday after the Education Ministry backed down from a plan to impose a 10pm curfew on children under 18.

Education Minister Adisai Bodharamik said yesterday the ministry would soon amend a draft of regulations to help implement the Children and Youth Protection Act, which comes into effect on March 29.

The proposed curfew is one of 16 measures to try to stem inappropriate behaviour by youngsters. The rules defining misbehaviour were drafted jointly by the ministries of Social Development and Human Security, Interior, Justice, and Education.

The Education Ministry's move came after widespread debate about the need for such a curfew in modern-day Thailand. Critics said it was a violation of children's rights to bring back into force a Revolutionary Council order issued more than two decades ago.

Adisai said yesterday that the controversial curfew plan might be removed along with other "impractical" rules for youngsters.

The minister said he had asked the drafting panel on Wednesday to explain why it the media reported that the Education Ministry had agreed to the 10pm curfew plan and that it would become effective late next month.

"I've been unaware of these rules. The committee has never shown this draft to me," he said.

After he studied the draft, Adisai decided to shelve it for reconsideration, an Education Ministry source said yesterday. The minister also cancelled a public hearing about the new regulation scheduled for next Thursday, the source said.

Adisai said yesterday the public hearing would have to wait until a new, practical draft was completed.

"The draft is outdated and impractical in some points, such as the 10pm curfew and 'having intimate relationships', which is difficult to define. Having a girlfriend or a boyfriend is not misbehaviour. Engaging in prostitution is another thing," Adisai said.

He also said a general curfew could be frightening for the public. The rules should cover only the risk groups, not children in general.

"I understand that children today have a lot of activities outside, and actually there are many types of children. The law should fit in with today's situation.

"We intend to protect children and prevent good ones from bad influence. We need some measures for children going out at night, but it has to be clear and fair to youngsters," he said.

The education minister added that he would oversee re-drafting of the regulations as Education Permanent Secretary Pornipa Limpapayom would be in charge of the process.

The new measures aim to replace the Revolutionary Council's Orders 132 and 249 from 1972.

"The rules to be left on the list will cover severe cases such as gambling, visiting adult entertainment venues or brothels, carrying weapons, damaging property, brawling extortion and intimidation," the source said.

The source also said Adisai had instructed ministry officials not to give any interviews about the matter in order to prevent misunderstandings.

Meanwhile, Senator Montri Sinthawichai, a prominent opponent of the proposed curfew, yesterday described the decision to reconsider the draft as "good news".

"The new draft should incorporate opinions from all the parties involved, such as children, students, teachers and parents. The Education Ministry should not try to influence differing views at the public hearing. Youngsters' problems and a curfew are unrelated," Montri said.

Student Naruchit Boonmirat, 17, was one who disagreed with the curfew.

"Sometime students have late classes and get home after 10pm. Offenders do not choose the time for crimes and youngsters can hang out anytime and any place," Naruchit said.

He said that youngsters also have to control their own behaviour.

----------------

Exclusions

The following may not be included in fresh rules to be drawn up by the Education Ministry:


Being out after 10pm

Having sex

Breaking school dress codes

Dyeing hair

Skipping class

Using rude words and gestures.
THE NATION

[Swishtz]

More entertainment zones may be set up

Published on Feb 13, 2004


More designated entertainment zones may be created to soften the blow of midnight-closing laws on venues outside the zones already named, officials say.

Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Maleenont yesterday hinted that the authorities might name more entertainment zones as protests mount over the government's latest social-order measure of midnight closures outside the zones. The new rules start next monthMore entertainment zones may be set up

More designated entertainment zones may be created to soften the blow of midnight-closing laws on venues outside the zones already named, officials say.

Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Maleenont yesterday hinted that the authorities might name more entertainment zones as protests mount over the government's latest social-order measure of midnight closures outside the zones. The new rules start next month.

The measure has drawn outcries from operators, with Association of Entertainment Business Operators president Somyos Suthangkoon moaning that the only answer is a rope noose.

"I will do nothing for now and wait for mercy from the government. When members of the association asked me [what to do], I told them to prepare ropes to hang ourselves," Somyos said.

Entertainment businesses include nightclubs, bars, massage parlours, food shops offering alcohol, karaoke lounges, pubs, discotheques, cocktail lounges and tea houses with female escorts.

Somyos complained that the operators had barely survived the government's enforcement of the 2am-closure rule, due to expire at the end of the month.

The midnight-closing measure will be applied to all entertainment venues outside designated zones. Inside the zones, closing times range between midnight and 2am, depending on the type of business.

Pracha said the new rule was being enforced to ensure social order and to protect young people.

"If you are in a tourist area and your business does not affect children or you have sound reasons, you can make a request to a committee [headed by Deputy Prime Minister Purachai Piumsombun] for your area to be declared a designated entertainment zone," he said. If the committee approved the request, the Interior Ministry would announce more designated entertainment zones.

But Somyos said only 10 per cent of entertainment venues are currently in designated zones.

It was Purachai who floated the idea of entertainment zones when he headed the Interior Ministry in 2001.

Chana Jaktreemongkol, owner of Thon Buri Plaza, said up to 70 per cent of the 2,000 operators in Thon Buri would go out of business and more than 2,000 workers would be laid off.

"I want to know how the government will help those who will lose their jobs," Chana said.

Somsak On-sri, an executive at Piano restaurants, said he might reduce staff wages following the enforcement of the midnight closing time. Three of four Piano restaurants are outside the designated zones.

"We have to suffer the consequences despite the fact that our patrons are mostly 35 years old and up and they come here to discuss business deals in a relaxed atmosphere," he said.

Somsak said the government should give more time for operators to prepare themselves for the shorter hours.

Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association president Boonlert Perera estimated that the number of local tourists at entertainment venues in his province would drop by 30 per cent if the midnight closures were implemented.

"But we will see how the new measure affects the businesses before making any move," he said.

Angkhana Noi-khong, the owner of a famous restaurant in Uttaradit, complained that most customers arrived at 10pm and usually spent four hours at her place. "We will have no chance to survive," she said.

Songkhla Entertainment Business Operators Association's Sorachak Chuthong said he would convene a meeting among members to find solutions to the midnight-closure rule.

"Our revenues will certainly plunge," he said.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

THE NATION

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YOUR SAY: Is cloxing early good?

{We will soon see hundreds of girls available on the pavements of Bangkok, just around midnight. No expensive drinks. No bar fines. Just girls, younger, cheaper, vulnerable, more easily abused and exploited. Thaksin, you're our hero.

Corto

FRANCE


{What about all the quiet and perfectly safe venues? What about people who finish work close to midnight and don't want to go to a zoned area? Where will all the unemployed staff go? What about the person who wants a foot massage before 6pm? All this, coupled with the zany 10pm curfew on under 18s will only cause new problems.

Matthew Stovell

SURAT THANI


{The 10pm curfew for youths under 18 and the midnight closing time for entertainment venues are nothing new. All fascist regimes have always been obsessed by the youth, its "purity" and how to protect it.

T Spargo

CHIANG MAI


{I hereby pronounce Bangkok dead.

A last-time visitor

BANGKOK