Local Thai groups & advocates raise concern over driving risks amid extended curfew

Early last month, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that clubs and bars will be allowed to stay open till 4am in four designated popular tourism zones.

Starting from December 15, bars and clubs in Bangkok, Phuket, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and the newly-added Koh Samui on Surat Thani will be given permission to extend their operating hours based on the new regulation.

This move, aimed at boosting the economy ahead of 2024, marks an extension from the current closing time of 2am.

Although the policy has garnered favourable responses from businesses, local temperance groups, and road safety advocates are calling on the government to reconsider this move.

They argue that the authorities have not taken adequate precautions to prevent alcohol-related accidents, especially when it comes to drunk driving.

Theera Watcharapranee, President of the Stop Drinking Network, expressed concerns during a discussion organised by Pheu Thai MP Khattiya Sawatdipol, stating that without sufficient preparations, it could instead backfire and lead to a significant increase in road fatalities rather than boost the economy.

He mentions: "Last year, fatal road accidents caused losses of around 6.5 billion baht across the four provinces alone. There are losses which can't be covered by the economic gains from the scheme."

Expressing concern over extended operating hours, Udomsak Sae-Ngow from the Centre of Alcohol Studies (CAS) highlighted the potential rise in violence, citing a Norwegian study correlating longer drinking hours with increased violent crimes.

Representatives from the Don't Drive Drunk Foundation (DDD) have also highlighted the need for stricter drink-driving laws and more checkpoints in busy areas to enhance safety during the extended hours.

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In response, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt acknowledged the concerns and pledged to collaborate with enhanced safety measures.

“We are committed to partnering with local authorities to ensure these venues refrain from admitting anyone under 18. We will request the police to establish checkpoints to monitor drink-driving and drug usage to prevent accidents,” Sittipunt underlined.

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The above issue becomes an example of how nighttime governance becomes a pressing need in Asia, especially in areas and cities whose income relies heavily on tourism.

By tapping into key insights and potential focus areas of development, a city could benefit from the cultural strength and impact of its vibrant music and nightlife, as proven in new research conducted by VibeLab and PennPraxis in Sydney.

Via: Bangkok Post

Adrianna Cheung is Mixmag Asia’s Culture Curator, follow her on Instagram.