The request was submitted yesterday (July 22) at Phuket Provincial Hall by Phuket Entertainment Business Operators Association President Sulaimarn Kaewngamdee and other operators. The letter was received by Phuket Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae.
Of note, the Phuket Entertainment Business Operators Association represents nightlife operators in Phuket Town and elsewhere throughout Mueang Phuket District, which includes as far south to Rawai and includes Kata-Karon.
The association does not include nightlife operators in Patong, which is represented by the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA).
Mr Sulaimarn said the proposal followed discussions during a recent visit by officials from the Ministry of Interior, where operators raised concerns about restrictions on opening entertainment venues outside the island’s existing zoning areas.
He said many businesses wanted to operate legally but were unable to apply for licences because their premises fell outside the designated zones.
Current entertainment zoning covers only limited areas of Phuket Town and Kathu District, he said, despite tourism-related businesses now being spread across the island.
The association is asking the province to expand zoning so more operators can obtain licences and conduct business legally.
Mr Sulaimarn said the association’s members employ more than 5,000 people in Phuket Town alone and argued that expanding legal zones would support employment, investment and tourism.
He added that operators were prepared to comply with any restrictions imposed by the province, including relocating if certain areas were deemed unsuitable for nightlife venues.
“We are ready to operate within the legal framework,” he said, adding that many businesses currently lived with uncertainty over possible closures because they were located outside designated zones.
Responding to the proposal, Vice Governor Romdon said the province would establish a working group to study the request and ensure any changes complied with existing laws before being submitted to the relevant agencies.
He said that if the proposal was approved in principle, district authorities would conduct public consultations with nearby residents before any zoning changes were introduced.
The review would cover all three districts of Phuket, not only Phuket Town, to identify suitable areas for additional nightlife zones.
Mr Romdon said any expansion would need to balance economic and tourism benefits with the interests of local communities, while avoiding areas close to schools, temples and other religious sites.
“The province will consider the matter carefully and proceed in accordance with the relevant procedures to ensure the greatest benefit for Phuket and its people,” he said.