Anutin: Waiting on trial resultsThe government is preparing to consider allowing bars, clubs and other entertainment venues in more areas to operate until 4am in an effort to stimulate the economy, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Venues attached to registered hotels nationwide could also remain open until 4am. In Bangkok, the extended hours apply to entertainment venues in Silom, Patpong, RCA and Ratchadaphisek as well as those located in the premises of hotels. Separaly, Polathep Vichitkunakorn, deputy director of the Centre for Alcohol Studies, said the government has not heeded calls to hold off on extending the operating hours. "In fact, the government has even decided to extend the operating hours of entertainment places on the night of Dec 31 to 6am on Jan 1," he said.
