Thai cabinet rejects changes to nightlife venue closing times

The cabinet ministers in Thailand have rejected a proposal to force all nightlife venues to close by midnight rather than 2:00 am.

The ministers said the proposed order first needs further review.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has also opposed the move, fearing the widespread impact of a midnight deadline.

He has urged a committee looking at the issue to carry out further research and a decision on a new fixed closing hour is now expected to be made by March 1 2004.

The Thai cabinet announcement is welcome news for those involved in the nightlife industry, who feared the restrictions could have sounded the death knell for many bars discos, karaoke and go-go bars, billiard halls and massage parlours in Thailand.