Owners, employees and operators of entertainment venues gathered on Bangla Rd in Patong at about 7pm, holding signs reading ‘No Bribes’, ‘Stop Extorting the People’ and ‘Prime Minister Anutin, Help the People of Phuket from Greedy Officials’.
The protest was led by Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) President Weerawit Kreuasombat, who said many operators had spent years trying to obtain the correct licences but were still waiting for approvals despite submitting applications and paying fees.
Mr Weerawit said most operators wanted to comply fully with the law, especially following the government’s policy allowing entertainment venues in tourism areas to remain open until 4am.
However, he claimed the lack of clear coordination and guidance from relevant agencies had created opportunities for some officials to pressure operators for bribes.
“Many businesses have only received proof of application or are still waiting for approval after many years, making them vulnerable to inspections and pressure,” he said.
Mr Weerawit explained that licensing issues were particularly severe in areas outside officially designated entertainment zones, including Nanai Rd, where many venues have operated for more than 20 years in what is now a major tourism and business district.
He urged the government to reconsider zoning regulations to reflect current conditions in Patong and allow long-established businesses to operate legally.
Strict enforcement without resolving licensing and zoning problems could damage the local economy, affect tourism and leave some areas deserted, he warned.
Mr Weerawit acknowledged that not all venues were operating perfectly within regulations, but stressed that entertainment businesses remained a major driver of Patong’s tourism economy and supported large numbers of workers.
He called for cooperation between the government and private sector to develop practical solutions rather than relying solely on inspections and closure orders.
The operators insisted the gathering was peaceful and intended to highlight ongoing problems facing the industry while encouraging authorities to establish a fair and transparent licensing process suited to Patong’s role as one of Thailand’s leading tourism destinations.
The protest came just hours after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Phuket promising to crack down on influential figures and mafia-style operators accused of using threats and violence to control lucrative tourism businesses.
In making his promises to crack down on ‘tourism mafia’ in Phuket, Anutin has so far avoided making any mention of corrupt officials who may be involved in such operations.