Phuket Nightlife Operators Protest Alleged Extortion and Licensing Delays

Owners and employees of entertainment venues on Phuket’s famous Bangla Road gathered in Patong on May 13 to protest against what they described as unfair treatment, alleged extortion by officials, and long delays in business licence approvals.

The demonstration took place near the Bangla police booth at the entrance to Bangla Road in Patong, Kathu district. The protest was led by Weerawit Khrueasombat, president of the Patong Entertainment Association.

Participants carried signs appealing directly to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accusing certain officials of seeking personal benefits and creating difficulties for local businesses and workers in Phuket’s nightlife sector.

The protest coincided with the prime minister’s visit to Phuket to inspect land encroachment issues near Freedom Beach. Organisers reportedly hoped his convoy would pass through the protest area, but officials ultimately used a different route.

According to Weerawit, one of the main concerns among operators is the slow processing of entertainment business licences after authorities allowed some nightlife venues to operate until 4am.

He explained that many establishments had already submitted the required documents and paid all official fees but were still waiting for approvals or renewals, in some cases for more than a year.

Some venue owners claimed that while their applications remained under review, officials continued conducting inspections and even initiated legal action against businesses, which operators considered unfair and contradictory.

Weerawit also highlighted ongoing problems for venues located outside officially designated entertainment zoning areas, including businesses in Soi Nanai. He argued that many of these establishments had operated openly for decades and formed an important part of Patong’s tourism economy, yet current regulations prevented them from obtaining proper licences.

Closing businesses in those areas, he warned, would have a serious economic impact on Patong and local workers who depend on tourism and nightlife income.

The Patong Entertainment Association stressed that the protest was not aimed at any individual official but was intended to encourage clearer communication between authorities and business operators instead of relying solely on inspections, raids, or closure orders.

The protest follows previous demonstrations by nightlife operators in Phuket and Pattaya, where business owners demanded extended opening hours and more flexible regulations for entertainment venues in tourist zones.