Thai tourism body mulls extending operating hours of entertainment venues

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) told media on Wednesday that it is in discussions with tourism operators to consider extending operating hours of night entertainment venues in tourist zones to boost tourist spendings.

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the idea was initiated to extend the closing hours of night entertainment venues in tourist zones across Thailand by an extra two hours, from 2 a.m. until 4 a.m. local time.

"The aim of extending night entertainment hours in tourist spots is to cater to tourists who like to spend more time at night," said Yuthasak. "It is also aimed to stimulate spending of foreign tourists."

Yuthasak said he has been in discussions with various parties and that the latter thought it was a good idea to stimulate tourist spending.

"I will take more field trips and meet with tourism and business operators if they agree with my idea of extending the entertainment hours," Yuthasak said.

Main night entertainment venues packed with foreign tourists are the main target for the new measure, which is expected to increase tourist spending by at least 25 percent from the current amount of 5,000-6,000 baht (162-194 U.S. dollars) per head.