Khao San Road Operators in Talks to Extend Opening Hours Until 4 AM

In anticipation of the upcoming high season, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has been in discussions with the Khao San Road Business Association regarding the extension of opening hours for nightlife and entertainment venues from 2 AM to 4 AM starting from October, the Bangkok Post reported today, Aug. 18.

The discussion has received pushback from the Centre of Alcohol Studies of Maha Sarakham University as longer hours meant higher risk of alcohol related crimes and issues.

Khao San Road is currently the only area in Bangkok that has been specifically chosen as a candidate, with other parts of Phuket, Phangnga, Ao Nang, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya still undergoing a selection process. Tourism operators in Koh Samui have also expressed their hopes of extending the entire island’s active hours to 4 AM but are yet to come to explicit arrangements with the minister.

Inbound tourism in Thailand has shown a steadily increasing growth rate over the first quarter of the year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is eyeing for greater rebounds in the months ahead.

Public community hearings are due to be held before submitting a proposal to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration, scheduled for September.