Phuket nightlife operators expand association across island

The Phuket Entertainment Business Operators Association (PEBO) has expanded its membership across all three districts of Phuket, with its president saying the group now represents 73 establishments and is seeking more than 100 additional members.

PEBO was formally launched at Mai Mhon Restaurant on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, with Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul presiding. President Sulaiman Kaewngamdee said the organisation was an expanded version of a previous association that had worked with provincial authorities for more than 20 years before becoming inactive for about seven to eight years.

The association said it would provide a central channel for coordination with government agencies, improve communication with members and promote legal and orderly business practices. Its immediate priorities include working with Phuket authorities to review entertainment zoning. A proposal submitted to Phuket Provincial Hall on 22 July sought expanded designated entertainment zones to enable more venues to obtain licences legally.

Mr Siwat said some existing zones no longer reflected Phuket’s changing urban development. Authorities and operators would review boundaries to identify suitable business areas while excluding locations near schools, temples, hospitals and other religious sites. He said the review needed to balance support for the tourism economy with residents’ quality of life.

He also urged operators to comply with laws concerning drugs, underage patrons and weapons, and highlighted safety requirements covering fire protection systems, emergency exits, electrical installations and building structures.

PEBO said its members employ more than 7,000 people, rising to more than 10,000 when Patong is included. Patong entertainment venues continue to be represented separately by the Patong Entertainment Business Association.

Earlier on Tuesday, provincial authorities inspected 12 entertainment venues and similar businesses in Phuket Town as part of an ongoing fire-safety campaign. The inspections covered 9 Nai, The Time, Takrai KTV, Sippin, The Library, B. Pocha, Column, Chit Hole, Buddy Coffee Shop, Sexy Night, Ther and X-Wine Wine Bar & Restaurant.

Officials checked fire alarm systems, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, electrical installations and building structures, ordering deficiencies to be corrected immediately.

The inspections are part of a nationwide campaign launched after a deadly fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao entertainment venue in Bangkok last month. The blaze was believed to have been caused by an electrical fault; the reported death toll initially stood at 27 and later rose to 37. Investigators also found blocked and locked emergency exits, prompting the Ministry of Interior to order intensified checks at entertainment venues nationwide.