The Ministry of Public Health has reassured civic organizations that it is firmly opposed to extending the operation hours of entertainment establishments to 4 a.m.
Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated, in support of the ministry’s opposition to unlimited access to alcohol, that public health professionals share the fears of campaigners that the longer opening hours will encourage binge drinking and drunk driving, leading to an increase in road accidents.
Minister Anutin noted that extending the operation hours of venues is not a viable way to stimulate the economy, despite the fact that it would create additional cash for enterprises.
Alcoholic beverages may be sold between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and midnight for vendors, and until 2 a.m. for nocturnal entertainment venues.
Businesses in tourist regions have requested to the government that they be allowed to remain open until 4 a.m., but the effort has been condemned by numerous advocates and official entities. This included the Office of the Alcohol Control Committee, which cited a possible increase in automobile accidents due to increasing alcohol use as a reason for rejecting the proposal.
On December 22, the committee chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is set to consider the proposal.
