Night entertainment operators in Phuket have proposed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin allow their venues on Patong Beach to stay open until 4am, instead of the current 1am.

Weerawit Kruasombat, president of the entertainment business operators association on Patong Beach, said today (Saturday) that the proposal was submitted to Srettha during yesterday’s meeting between the prime minister and representatives of tourism-related business.

The prime minister is currently touring Phuket and Phang-nga to meet with tourism business operators. He is visiting Phang-nga today.

Weerawit claimed that Srettha promised to consider their proposal in cabinet, which is currently being formed.

Preechawut Keelin, another entertainment business operator, said that the 1am closing time is not practical and is inconvenient for foreign tourists, because most of them visit bars for drinks late at night and can only have a few drinks if the venues close at 1am.

He suggested that 4am closing should be tried in a certain section of Patong Beach for six-months during the high season, to assess its impacts on security, society, the economy and the environment.

Prime Minister Srettha toured Phuket’s night life along Patong Beach last night, which is teeming with bars, massage parlours and pubs.

He was greeted by tourists and locals who sought to be photographed with him.