THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The days of 1am closing for Phuket’s bars and nightclubs could be coming to an end if an attempt by Phuket governor Wichai Praisa-ngob comes to fruition.

In response to continued complaints by entertainment venue operators, Mr. Wichai has expressed the view that Phuket – or at least parts of it – should be designated as a special entertainment zone with establishments permitted to stay open until 3am or 4am.

Bar owners on the island say that they struggle to make a profit when early closing hours are enforced, and also claim the early closing forces tourists to buy alcohol at convenience stores and continue drinking on the beach, resulting in unwanted crime and other social problems.

Entertainment industry operators claim that many visitors prefer to sleep in and enjoy a late night on the town, something that is more easily achieved at other international destinations where liquor sales are not so tightly restricted.

Mr. Wichai is believed to have already sent documents supporting the case for extending Phuket’s entertainment hours beyond the national deadline of 1am to the Interior Ministry in support of the motion, but no response has been received back.

While the move by Mr. Wichai will appease those in the entertainment industry if it is successful, it is unlikely to go down well with all of the island’s residents, some of whom regularly telephone local newspapers and police stations, or Phuket City Hall, to complain about noise emanating from entertainment venues.

If successful in his attempts to have at least parts of Phuket designated as a special entertainment zone the achievement will join many others the progressive-thinking governor has achieved since taking office 18 months ago.

With Mr. Wichai due to retire in September it is doubtful if there is sufficient time for him to fix the island’s much complained about tuk-tuks, or the lack of public transport on the island.

By John Le Fevre

Thailand Travel News for August 30, 2010