National —
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he disagreed with allowing nightspots in certain tourism spots to stay open until 4 AM because it could spread Covid-19.
Anutin, who is the main proponent of cannabis legalization, gave an interview with the Thai media before attending the cabinet meeting today, saying the Public Health Ministry was concerned that the nightlife closing hour extension to 4 AM from 2 AM could lead to the spread of Covid-19 and road accidents.
He stated that closing at 2 AM was already appropriate for the nightlife sector. However, the minister added that he was willing to respect the majority in the cabinet.
When asked what he had for Thai citizens as a New Year’s gift, Anutin stated, “The fourth booster dose for Covid-19 and a health package for the elderly.”
On the same day at the government house, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, revealed to the Thai reporters that he was eying to pilot the 4 AM nightspot closing measure on Bangla Road in Phuket.
