Phuket officials seek to ease Patong nightlife fears after extortion protest
The response follows a gathering on May 13 led by Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) President Weerawit Kreuasombat, during which venue operators and employees assembled outside Bangla Police Box to
Phuket officials moved to reassure Patong nightlife operators after a May 13 protest outside Bangla Police Box, where venue owners and employees accused officials of bribery and extortion during the licensing process. NBT Phuket reported that Vice Governor Adul Chuthong said provincial authorities met operators after the gathering to hear complaints and explain inspection and entertainment licence procedures.
He said many businesses had filed applications since April, with some already approved and others still under document verification.
Operators press claims over licensing and zoning
The protest was led by Patong Entertainment Business Association president Weerawit Kreuasombat, who said some operators had spent years trying to secure legal licences despite submitting applications and paying required fees.
He said poor coordination between agencies had created openings for officials to pressure businesses for bribes.
Weerawit identified areas outside official entertainment zones, including Nanai Rd, as a major source of disputes, saying venues had operated there for decades despite zoning restrictions. He called for a review of zoning rules to reflect current conditions in Patong and allow long-established businesses to operate legally.
Province cites compliance and economic stakes
Adul said officials also discussed the matter with the association president and Patong Municipality, while stressing that venues must comply with laws on opening and closing times, firearms control, drug prevention and underage customers. He said those measures were needed to prevent violent incidents that could harm Phuket’s tourism image.
The vice governor denied that authorities had solicited bribes and said inspections and enforcement had been carried out under legal procedure. He added that officials had been told to work transparently and asked operators to cooperate on safety.
According to the province, Patong has about 300 entertainment businesses. Officials estimate Bangla Rd generates at least B100 million a day, while the wider Patong economy, including hotels, restaurants, transport and related services, brings in more than B1 billion daily.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/officials-move-to-calm-patong-nightlife-operators-after-extortion-protest-100274.php
