Lawmakers Blast Government Over Rejected Entertainment Venues Bill

At 10:00 a.m. on September 23, 2025, at Parliament, Pheu Thai Party members led by Bangkok MP Phandit Nueamjerm held a press conference criticizing the government's rejection of the Entertainment Venues Act. They pointed out that the current law has been in use for 60 years, while Thailand tolerates similar venues in Bangkok and some areas operating beyond midnight, making the legislation extremely outdated. Alcohol sales and tourism are managed by multiple government agencies, creating overlap and confusion.

Phandit argued that the law urgently needs updating to align current business definitions with modern realities, with authority decentralized to local governments that understand their areas' actual problems. The draft was classified as fiscal legislation requiring the Prime Minister's endorsement before consideration, but the Prime Minister refused to endorse it. However, when addressing nightlife tourism and night-time businesses, Phandit questioned whether the government has its own alternative plan.

He urged comparison with foreign countries like London and France, where night businesses operate under systematic management—licensing, travel, safety, community noise controls, and worker welfare are all coordinated between local authorities and police. Phandit directly challenged the Prime Minister, noting that in Bangkok's Sukhumvit area, a bar might earn 3 million baht monthly but must pay 10 percent (300,000 baht) in unofficial charges.

"I invite the Prime Minister to work a night shift, perhaps playing saxophone at a bar and trying to attract customers after midnight—either in Bangkok or Phuket—to see the real situation," Phandit said mockingly.

He stressed that the bill should be evaluated on merit, not dismissed simply because it came from Pheu Thai, as it addresses genuine public hardship rather than partisan politics.

Phuket MP Chalerm Saengdi, also of Pheu Thai, stated that Phuket is a world-class tourist destination where entertainment venue operators had pinned hopes on the draft Entertainment Venues Act. The old law is severely outdated and no longer fit for purpose. Today's business owners must bear, endure, and struggle against state power through extortion and pressure—what he called "farming on people's backs."

Chalerm accused the Prime Minister of ignoring venue operators' plight while rejecting the bill, suggesting the PM cares only for cronies' interests. He cited the Department of Interior's ongoing reports of extortion from entertainment venues. Even though Patong Beach in Phuket has a zoning regulation allowing venues to close at 4:00 a.m. through ministerial order, operators are still subject to bribery demands from the provincial administration.