Night owls hooting over longer hours
The Interior Ministry agreed to allow entertainment venues to remain open until 3am. The relaxation meant all bars and clubs, with or without service girls, could extend their operations by three hours.
Deputy Interior Permanent Secretary Benchakul Makarathas said the decision was made because of the increased demand for entertainment and recreation. Allowing all entertainment venues to remain open until 3am would be fair to all of them, he said.
Regulations had previously obliged venues to close their doors at mid-night—although nightclubs, bars and discotheques were permitted to remain open until 1am if the following day was a public holiday.