Speaking to the press, Mr Weerawit explained that the practice was not widespread, and that some operators, including nightlife venue operators and car and motorbike rental shops, had good reason not to serve some people, whether Thai or not.
The accusations online had greatly affected the tourism image of Patong, Mr Weerawit said.
“There are nearly 200 entertainment venues on Soi Bangla, and more than 300 in total throughout Patong,” he said.
“I admit some venues do not allow Thai people to enter at certain times. This may be a time when the venue is holding a special event [closed ot the public], or people are not carrying their ID card.
“We must be more stringent because it was previously discovered that a fake ID cards had been used,” he added.
Of note, the heightened ID checks came as part of the ramped up security measures agreed to as part of the move to allow nightlife venues in specified areas to remain open to 4am.
Regarding car and motorbike shops refusing to rent vehicles to Thais, Mr Weerawit said, “There are a lot of these shops, and I admit that some shops do not rent vehicles to Thais.
“This is because they have already lost their vehicles to such customers, or the Thai customer presented fake ID,” he continued.
Last year, more than 100 rental vehicles were reported missing, Mr Weerawit noted.
Mr Weerawit assured that local businesses in Patong were willing and ready to serve all tourists, both Thai and foreign.