Thailand –
Prominent Thai doctors have warned about the proposal of a 4:00 A.M. closing time extension for nightlife venues in tourist zones which will cause more road deaths, crime, and personal accidents as there is more time to drink alcohol, according to them.
Our previous story:
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is set to officially propose to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) for entertainment venue opening hours to be extended until 4:00 A.M. starting this high season in October.
Doctor Taejing Siripanich, a secretary of the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation has given his view about the plan, “The 4:00 A.M. extension plan cannot definitely guarantee about boosting the economy. On the other hand, this might have to be an exchange with health and people’s safety.”
“I believe that foreign tourists come to Thailand not because of nightclubs, drinking, and partying. Most of them want to come here because of natural and cultural tourism places like beaches, parks, traditional Thai culture, and temples. The 4:00 A.M. closing time is more for Thais,” Doctor Taejing added.
“According to road accident statistics, this year there are more road deaths than last year after entertainment venues were relaxed from previous Covid-19 mandated closures. Will this 4:00 A.M. closing time be worth it to proceed?,” Doctor Taejing questioned.
Doctor Prasit Wattanapa from the Mahidol University added, “I personally do not agree with this idea. I think it is too much. Most of our current Covid-19 patients are working people who like to hang out at night. After they got infected from nightclubs, they go back home and infect their families. The 2:00 A.M. closure is enough for all zones. Healthy people need enough sleep and should find more healthy pursuits.”
A final decision on the 4:00 AM proposal may come as early as next week.
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