MOST people are in favour of closing night venues at current 2 a.m. rather than extending it to 4 a.m. as being moved by the Pheu Thai-led government, a new NIDA Poll shows, Thai Rath newspaper said today (Oct. 22)
The NIDA Poll, conducted during October 17-19, 2023 with a total of 1,310 Thai nationals over 20 years of age and from all walks of life and in all regions of the country participating, also showed that an equal total of 27.71% either were certain extending the closing time of entertainment venues to 4 a.m. would boost income or did not think it would help.
On the other hand 26.72% said they were not at all sure it would help while 16.56% said they were very confident it would boost income while 1.30% said they did not know, did not have an answer or were not interested.
However 46.41% of respondents agreed that there were already enough drink driving checkpoints while 38.02% said they should be increased.
When asked about their nightlife habits:
– 55.65% said they had never to a night venue;
– 44.35% said they had done so.
Upon asking those who had been to night venues, totalling 581 respondents, how often they did so over the past year:
– 57.66% said they had not visited any such outlets for a year now;
– 33.22% said they had when there was a special occasion or festival;
– 4.13% said once a month;
– 2.58% said once a week;
– 2.07% said almost everyday (3-5 days a week);
– 0.34% said everyday (7 days a week).
On extending night venue closing time from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.:
– 41.76% said the current 2 a.m. closing time is appropriate because it is not too late and does not disturb those living near these venues;
-23.66%Â said only entertainment venues at tourist destinations should be allowed to close at 4 a.m. as it would stimulate the economy, generate income and attracts foreign tourists;
– 17.56% said that entertainment venues should all be allowed to close at 4 a.m. nationwide because the same standard should apply across the country. It would also increase earning hours for such business operators and other related professional groups;
– 8.32% said entertainment venues should close before 2 a.m. which is already quite late at night while an extension could lead to more accidents and crime;
– 4.35% said nightlife should not be allowed in Thailand because loud noise disturbs nearby residents;
– 4.27% said they did not know, did not want to answer or were uncertain;
– 0.08% gave other answers including that night venues should close at 3 a.m.
However, a separation of the two groups of respondents shows the viewpoint of 581 who had visited night venues as follows:
– 36.49% said closing entertainment venues at 2 a.m. is already appropriate;
– 30.29% said entertainment venues should be allowed to close at 4 a.m. only at tourist destinations popular with foreigners;
– 25.13% said that entertainment venues should be allowed to close at 4 a.m throughout the country;
– 6.37% said entertainment venues should close before 2 a.m.;
– 0.52% said night venues should not be allowed in Thailand;
– 1.03% said they did not know, did not have an answer or were uncertain;
– 0.17% gave other answers including that night venues should close at 3 a.m.
The viewpoint of those who have never been to a night venue is as follows:
– 45.95% said closing entertainment venues at 2 a.m. is already appropriate;
– 18.38% said entertainment venues should be allowed to close at 4 a.m. only at tourist destinations popular with foreigners;
– 11.52% said entertainment venues should be allowed to close at 4 a.m. across the country;
– 9.88% said that entertainment venues should close before 2 a.m.;
– 7.41% said night venues should not be allowed in Thailand;
– 6.86% said they did not know, did not have an answer or were uncertain;
CAPTIONS:
Top: People having fun at a nightclub. Photo: Unsplash
Front Page: A DJ playing music at a pub. Photo: Thai Rath
Also read:Â MP says provincial governors, mayors should issue night venue licences
Cabinet nod for unrestricted alcohol sales at Eastern Aviation City’s entertainment zone
Public Health Ministry opposes 4 a.m.closing time for night venues
Over 200 revellers all flee Pattaya pub raid
