28-10-2023 (PHUKET) Tourism operators in Phuket are urging the government to extend the operating hours of entertainment venues for a trial period of at least three months to assess the impact while ensuring safety for tourists. Phuket, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife, sees this proposal as a potential boost to tourism revenue.
The request comes from operators seeking to keep entertainment venues open until the late hours of the night, catering to the many visitors who flock to Phuket for its bustling nightlife. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, has emphasized that allowing these venues to close at either 2 am or 4 am could increase tourism revenue by approximately 30%. Furthermore, it may help curb the operation of illegal clubs that typically operate into the early morning hours.
Safety remains a primary concern, and strict regulations would be essential to prevent any undesirable incidents during the extended hours, according to Mr. Thaneth. He suggests that the government pilot the extension on Bangla Road, initially closing at 4 am before determining an appropriate time. This trial period would enable authorities to gauge the necessary security personnel and transportation resources required to accommodate tourists in the area. Additionally, the potential increase in CCTV cameras along the street and the use of technology for tourist detection should be considered.
Many operators are willing to co-invest in technology to support safety measures, Mr. Thaneth added. To address concerns such as altercations, illegal drugs, drunk driving, and unregulated taxi services, stricter law enforcement would be necessary to minimize the consequences of extended operating hours.
The proposed regulations should also allocate clear zoning for entertainment venues to ensure they do not disrupt nearby communities. Mr. Thaneth noted that even if new zoning were established outside the city, tourist demand would likely gravitate toward these nightlife venues.
While many nightlife venues on Bangla Road have reopened, income levels are still below those seen in 2019. This is partially due to the fact that foreign arrivals have yet to fully recover. According to Mr. Thaneth, foreign arrivals in Phuket are expected to reach 7-8 million this year, compared to the 10 million recorded in 2019.
Regarding the recent conversion of the Phuket Expo facilities into a quarantine centre, Mr. Thaneth expressed that this decision does not align with the province’s tourism goals. He suggested that the original plan to build a convention centre capable of hosting large events would yield more significant long-term benefits.
Mr. Thaneth proposed that hotels, city halls, and the convention centre could be temporarily converted into quarantine areas in the event of a health emergency. He stated that tourism operators have already communicated their objections to their MPs and the provincial Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee. If there is no update from the Public Health Ministry, tourism operators plan to submit a letter calling for a policy revision.
