Phasakorn Channgam
Pattaya will require new licenses for businesses
planning to operate in three entertainment zones to be designated in the
“Pattaya Model Project” now being drafted by local and national
officials.
Deputy Major Ronakit Ekasingh.
Speaking at the Jan. 26 Pattaya Business & Tourism
Association Meetings, Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh said work on the
plan to revise zoning, operating hours and tax systems for entertainment
venues is continuing with officials hoping to have results as soon as
possible.
Previously, however, those connected with the
blueprint said the plan will not be completed until next year.
Ronakit said the current draft calls for the city to
maintain its three official entertainment zones, but improve licensing
and inspection for businesses operating there.
Spearheaded by the National Counter Corruption
Commission - whose criticism of the Pattaya Police Department’s lax
enforcement of national bar-closing times prompted a November bar
crackdown - the new zoning plan is being eyed as a possible model for
tourist-centric cities around the country. It would not only cover
operating hours, but business zoning, tax collection, security, and
advertising.
