The Tourism and Sports Ministry expects the Full Moon Party’s duration to be extended by two hours until 4:00 a.m.
Tourism and sports minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he would ask the cabinet and home ministry to grant the duration extension after inspecting the latest monthly beach party in Had Rin, Koh Pha-ngan, on Friday night.
At least 10,000 Thai and foreign revelers flocked in on shuttle boats from nearby Koh Samui and joined the Full Moon Party.
“The visitors said they enjoyed traveling to Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan and experiencing the Full Moon Party or the Half Moon Party,” he stated.
However, attendees, including some who arrived as late as 9:00 p.m., complained about the massive party’s short duration, as they wanted it to last until 4:00 a.m.
In response, Mr. Phiphat said he would ask the Cabinet and the Interior Ministry to approve the additional time, as “the Full Moon Party has a unique appeal to people.”
The minister also urged people residing in Koh Pha-ngan to take care of tourists and help create a safe environment.
Mr. Phiphat observed the beach alongside a combined Koh Pha-ngan law enforcement team of police agents, soldiers, and local administrative leaders, including Surat Thani Deputy Governor Sitthipong Klai-udom.
As part of the inspection, officials examined transportation for the Full Moon Party, including speedboats that take revelers to the party site late at night.
Sumet Meepat, who runs the Golden Moon company specializing in speedboat rentals, said the Full Moon Party had attracted more tourists since Covid-19 restrictions caused the number of revelers to drop.
Over 10,000 people join each party, benefiting local businesses, including boats transporting revelers.
After a two-year lockdown, the rebound in tourism is helping revitalize Thailand’s battered economy.
Golden Moon’s owner said he agreed with extending opening hours, saying the move would show that tourism is back in business and boost revenue for the industry.
According to Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries’ general manager Kit Tharaputti, the number of tourists heading to Koh Samui after the travel restrictions eased was almost reaching pre-pandemic levels.
