Phuket NEWS:

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Blacklist threatened for bars that break request for ‘national mourning silence’

PHUKET (Kom Chad Luek, Gazette): Muang District Chief Wisit Kurattanavej this afternoon threatened to blacklist entertainment venues that do not follow the government’s request to observe the national mourning of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, who passed away early yesterday morning.

K. Wisit made the announcement at a meeting to discuss a ban on “entertainment noise” during the 15-day national mourning period, which began yesterday.

At the meeting were Phuket Vice-Governor Worapoj Ratthasima and top officials including Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Decha Budnampeth and Phuket’s three district chiefs.

After the meeting it was announced that each District Office today began distributing a letter asking entertainment operators to not stage any live music performances and not use any sound systems during the 15-day period.

In the meantime, apart from the request for silence, entertainment venues can trade as usual.

They will be able to resume their loud noise levels on January 17.

There was no comment as to whether the island's shopping malls and other large-scale retail venues would be allowed to continue with their noise generation or not.

As for public celebrations, the Phuket Provincial Red Cross Fair currently underway at Saphan Hin will continue until Monday as originally scheduled, but with all concerts and stage performances canceled.

The ban on celebrations will also affect Children’s Day on January 12. “Activities can still proceed as planned but we ask that organizers adjust the entertainment lineup so that it is in line with the request for silence, which will show children how important the Royal Family is,” Vice-Governor Worapoj said.

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