Nonthadet “Luke-Tao” Buranasitiporn
Representative of Thailand Nightlife and Entertainment Business Association (Neba)
How did it all start?
It all started when the first lockdown began, last year. We have never faced a pandemic like this before and we are trying hard to adjust to the ‘new normal’ safety measures advocated by the state since last year, hoping this year will be a fresh start if we play by their rules. Honestly, everything is getting worse.
When the third wave hit us, I’ve said that ‘If we still do nothing about it, we will be doomed!’ As co-owner of The Rock Pub, I’ve talked to others to form an ally by bringing nightlife people and entertainment entrepreneurs together. We’ve spent blood, sweat and tears promoting our objectives and drawing the government’s attention.
Within a week, we had more than 15,000 people who joined us and the number is still rising. We may have all come from different sinking ships, but we’re in the same boat now. We proudly present our alliance — ‘Thailand Nightlife and Entertainment Business Association (Neba)’, which comprises six main pillars: Pub and Bar Entrepreneur Association, Musician and Crews Association of Thailand, the Bangkok DJs and Promoters Society, Concert and Event Producers Association, Craft Beer Association and Bartender and Cocktail Bar Association.
What are the eight amendments of Neba?
They are divided into two. First, we want the government to give us our livelihoods back by removing all bans on the entertainment industry, selling alcoholic beverages in restaurants and hosting events and concerts. It has been proven that shutting down the entertainment and nightlife industries — and yet new clusters pop up — wasn’t a practical way to mitigate the spread. They are planning to reopen the country within 120 days, but we are still closed. That doesn’t make any sense! Honestly, don’t blame the people for causing the spread. We are all following orders and safety measures. If the government can’t come up with any effective solutions, we are willing to come up with them. Let us have an open discussion.
We have seen enough miscommunication between the government and related agencies like when the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) delayed City Hall’s plan to allow five types of businesses to reopen on June 1. That showed how messed up they are. So, we are asking the government to allow private sectors to participate in policymaking and open a channel to receive petitions for those in trouble. As far as we know, those policymakers are doctors, soldiers and politicians, who they don’t understand the real problem as we do. Alternative vaccines, soft-loan and handouts are other urgent help that the nightlife industry needs. We have been closed for more than 250 days, month after month, and there is no sign for us to be back in business soon.
Will you take the protests to the streets?
That would be the last straw. Creative campaigns and civil disobedience is our first priority instead of creating another burden like shutting down the capital.
How can the public help?
From now on, everyone can be a spokesperson for us by sharing news and stories from our official page: fb.com/NebaThailand, or stay tuned for our upcoming campaign. For those who are in need, don’t hesitate to join us via nebathailand.com or email at nebathailand@gmail.com.