The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has issued a warning to businesses operating in the backpacker haven of Khaosan Road to reduce noise pollution or face legal consequences. The warning came after a gathering of the Khaosan Road Business Operators Association, local residents, police officers, and government officials. The BMA has set a 15-day deadline for businesses to comply with noise regulation rules. On the heels of Thailand fully opening and backpackers returning by the tens of thousands, the number of complaints about loud noise in the area has been increasing, with some establishments being reported for playing excessively loud music that poses a threat to public health. The BMA has stated that they will take legal action against businesses that fail to comply with the following parameters:

1. Venues must have soundproof walls for music and live performances.

2. Average noise levels must not exceed 90 decibels.

3. Maximum noise must not exceed 110 decibels and must not disturb nearby communities

4. Volume of music must be turned down periodically during business hours

5. Loudspeakers must not be installed in front of business venues

6. Sound meters must be installed with results displayed for public knowledge

Our Take

Of course, being 24-years old, I’ve spent my fair share of time on Khaosan over the years and in all honesty, I’m kind of happy this is being addressed. The music on that street is RIDICULOUSLY loud… like to a point where it honestly takes away from the fun. Forget talking with friends. Forget thinking straight. It’s absolute madness. Booze and balloons. That’s it. Each of the 50+ bars blast different songs and you get this nauseating mix of music that takes away from the evening. This is gonna sound crazy, but I actually preferred Khaosan during COVID. It was a steady, reliable place to enjoy a night out and was full of cool Thai locals and Expats just looking to have a good time and let loose a little. On the heels of the country opening up, it’s become pretty aggressive with all sorts of fights and sweaty, shirtless backpackers rubbin’ up against each other. I don’t mean to sound like a hater. I still enjoy the odd night over there, but I think it’s more of a place to tick off the bucket list versus somewhere where you’d want to spend an entire night during your time in Bangkok.