Thread: Thaksin-Era Ban on New Bars Renewed in 22 Provinces

Teeranai Charuvastra
Khao Sod English

BANGKOK — Twenty-two provinces were named in an updated list of areas where no new pubs, clubs or other entertainment venues can be opened, an official said Tuesday.


The ban, first enacted during a populist morality crusade waged by then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was renewed in a Royal Decree published Thursday. Although existing bars and pubs are allowed to continue operating, new business licenses, theoretically, cannot be issued.


MORE. Thaksin-Era Ban on New Bars Renewed in 22 Provinces

Can't have competition now, can we.

In 2002, the administration of populist premier Thaksin laid the ban over 26 provinces. Bueng Kan was later added to the list when it was established.


The military government in 2016 reviewed the list and asked the affected provinces whether they wanted to remain or opt out of the prohibition, Wisitthipat said. Five wanted out, so they were exempted in Thursday’s order.

We didn't make this list or Thaksin's. We are obviously people of high moral's.

Originally Posted by Norton

We didn't make this list or Thaksin's. We are obviously people of high moral's.

Mai phen rai.
The best bars are the local type that no one gives a fuck about, anyway...

"The ban was based on a law passed by the military government in 1966, which grants authorities the power to regulate drinking and entertainment venues “to protect public morality.”
In 2002, the administration of populist premier Thaksin laid the ban over 26 provinces. Bueng Kan was later added to the list when it was established."
So none of those provinces has issued a new license for 16 years. Bizarre.
What it does mean is that the license holders of 16 years ago have 1) a monopoly and 2) if they sell their business they can sit back and receive payments regularly to continue to be the titular license holder for the new owner.

Originally Posted by HuangLao

The best bars are the local type that no one gives a fuck about, anyway...

True. They can be cool. The local spliff bars for example.