The government will allow bars and nightclubs to operate until 4am starting from the New Year holiday period onwards in an effort to stimulate the economy, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday.
Mr Anutin, who is also a deputy prime minister, said the decision was in line with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's directives and that the new hours will be gradually implemented across the country, starting with provinces which are popular with tourists, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
He reminded the operators of such venues to ensure their premises are free from criminal activities at all times.
"We're doing this for the benefit of law-abiding citizens, so please refrain from drink-driving, carrying illegal weapons and dealing drugs," he said. "If everyone cooperates, we won't have any problems, no matter how long they remain open."
The cabinet is expected to approve the proposal sometime in December, in time for the New Year holidays, he said.