Before bar closing hours are extended to 4am, proper measures must be in place to prevent increased social problems such as gun violence, road accidents and drug abuse, an adviser to the public health minister said on Monday.
Vicharn Meenchainan said the proposed extension of closing times for entertainment venues from 2am to 4am should not go ahead unless necessary measures have first been put in place.
These must include measures to guarantee the safety of customers and to keep underage people out of those places to protect them from alcohol use, gambling and drugs, he said.
Zoning of entertainment venues may also be required. The possibility of alcohol-related accidents resulting from longer drinking hours must also be taken into account, he said.
List MP Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana (United Thai Nation) expressed similar concerns. He said to ensure the safety of customers police and administrative officials must strictly enforce the law and ensure customers do not use illegal drugs or carry guns.
Strict punitive action was needed against those who break the law, he said.