Thai Public Health Minister says he disagrees with 4 AM nightspot closing, says it can spread Covid

National —

  Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he disagreed with allowing nightspots in certain tourism spots to stay open until 4 AM because it could spread Covid-19.

Anutin, who is the main proponent of cannabis legalization, gave an interview with the Thai media before attending the cabinet meeting today, saying the Public Health Ministry was concerned that the nightlife closing hour extension to 4 AM from 2 AM could lead to the spread of Covid-19 and road accidents.

He stated that closing at 2 AM was already appropriate for the nightlife sector. However, the minister added that he was willing to respect the majority in the cabinet.

When asked what he had for Thai citizens as a New Year’s gift, Anutin stated, “The fourth booster dose for Covid-19 and a health package for the elderly.”

On the same day at the government house, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, revealed to the Thai reporters that he was eying to pilot the 4 AM nightspot closing measure on Bangla Road in Phuket.

If approved by the Cabinet today (December 6th), the measure would be likely after the tourist high season in March 2023, said Pipat.

The tourism minister did not respond to Anutin’s dissent against the extended hours for nightspots.

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Adam Judd
Mr. Adam Judd is the Co-owner of TPN media since December 2017. He is originally from Washington D.C., America. His background is in HR and Operations and has written about news and Thailand for a decade now. He has lived in Pattaya for about nine years as a full-time resident, is well known locally and been visiting the country as a regular visitor for over a decade. His full contact information, including office contact information, can be found on our Contact Us page below. Stories please e-mail Editor@ThePattayanews.com About Us: https://thepattayanews.com/about-us/ Contact Us: https://thepattayanews.com/contact-us/