Police patrolled pubs in northern Thailand as the government extended store hours 'to boost tourism' in the country.

Police Lieutenant General Kritthapol Yeesakhon, acting commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, led the inspection of entertainment venues in Chiang Mai.

Officers checked the Porjai Bar, Shelby Bar, and Warm Up Cafe, to check the stores' licenses and employee documents. The random inspections found no underage customers nor illegal items or activities, they said.

Kritthapol said the police were coordinating with local authorities in line with government policies allowing entertainment venues to operate until 4 am.

He said: 'It is important to check these establishments for underage customers, firearms, narcotics, and conflicts. Shops like Warm Up Cafe are often used as resting areas for patrons to sober up or await their designated drivers.

'With the extension of closing hours leading to more drunk people, the police will enhance stricter control measures from midnight to 4 am.'

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is also scheduled to visit Chiang Mai province for inspections.