Thailand’s cabinet has given a green signal to a ministerial regulation, aimed at extending the operating hours of nightclubs and entertainment venues to lure more and more tourists. The same was informed by a government spokesperson recently.

Popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Samui will now see entertainment venues, clubs, and karaoke bars remaining open an additional two hours, which means their closing time will now be extended until 4 AM.

This latest announcement aligns with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s previous statement that the new regulations would come into effect on December 15. The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to stimulate the economy by boosting the tourism sector, which has been seeing sluggish growth compared to regional counterparts.

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In a move to boost the industry, the Thai government has further undertaken various measures, which include waiving visa requirements for Chinese visitors, a significant source of tourism for Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. The decision to allow entertainment venues to extend their operating hours also serves as the latest initiative to attract foreign arrivals.

For the year, Thailand has so far welcomed 24.5 million foreign tourists, along with anticipated 28 million arrivals by the end of the year. However, these numbers fall short of the pre-pandemic peak when Thailand recorded a historic 39.9 million arrivals, with China contributing a substantial 11 million tourists. The government’s forecast for Chinese arrivals this year is notably lower, anticipating only 3.5 million visitors.

The move to extend the operating hours of nightlife establishments reflects the government’s commitment to enhance the overall tourism experience for visitors, making Thailand an even more attractive destination.

Credit: iStockAs the country navigates its economic recovery, these measures aim to create a conducive environment for increased foreign tourism, contributing to the overall revitalization of Thailand’s economy.