Crackdown on Bangkok party scene sparks concerns for ‘a boring city’ as military seeks to salvage legacy

Since the army swept to power in a bloodless coup in 2014, it has intermittently enforced curfews and arcane regulations to rein in rambunctious behaviour, but in the past year efforts appear to have gained vigour

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Tourists and locals eat and drink at a restaurant on Bangkok’s Khaosan road. The city’s notorious nightlife is under threat, according to some, as the military government embarks on a crackdown on late-night venues. Photo: AP

Published: 4:32pm, 25 Mar 2018Updated: 4:32pm, 25 Mar 2018

Thailand’s military government is crushing the spirit of Bangkok’s nightlife amid an intensifying crackdown that is forcing many bars and clubs to close early or indefinitely. With an election tentatively set for February 2019, the campaign appears to be a last-ditch attempt by the embattled government to impose social order and salvage its legacy.

Since the army swept to power in a bloodless coup in 2014, it has intermittently enforced curfews and arcane regulations to rein in the city’s rambunctious nature, but in the past year its efforts appear to have gained vigour.

Bar owners say military officials are barging into their premises demanding to see licences they have long operated without or did not even know existed. In the raucous coastal city of Pattaya recently, expats and tourists were incredulous when authorities went into bars asking to see a licence for those with dartboards.

The government maintains it is simply enforcing regulations that existed long before it came to power. Officially, all bars and clubs must close by 2am, according to 2004 regulations, a rule long ignored by police – often in return for bribes.

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has promised democratic elections for February 2019. Photo: Reuters

The crackdown has had the biggest impact on after-hours venues and fledgling businesses already grappling with high taxes on imported food and alcohol.