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Bangkok Pattaya-only a few bars are open
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99In Bangkok and Pattaya, bars were allowed to reopen in 2022.
However, there was no rush during the nights of the first months. Hardly any guests and only a few bars were open. "Many streets are still dark and hardly any guests stray into the bars," said bar operator Anyamanee in Soi Buakhao.
However, there was no rush during the nights of the first months. Hardly any guests and only a few bars were open. "Many streets are still dark and hardly any guests stray into the bars," said bar operator Anyamanee in Soi Buakhao.
Finally allowed to work again
Finally allowed to work again
"I lost all my savings" says Nang from Patong. Nang is a dancer in Patong. Liberally dressed but wearing a mouth guard. The basic salary is only the smaller part of her income. The source of income from tourists is likely to be absent for the moment. Hardly a ladydrink. Even in Pattaya, Thailands previous restriction on entry means there is still little going on. "I took in less than 400 baht today" complains bar operator Anyamanee [note: approx. 17€].
Bars and massage parlours have recently been allowed to reopen, even if some are still subject to restrictions. Nang from Patong is also happy to be working again. She doesnt mind the mouth guard. How it will be received by the tourists remains to be seen. Mouth protection is no longer a legal requirement but is still expected by a few guests in some places. At the moment, hopes are pinned on the months of November, December and January. This is when most tourists are expected in Phuket.
The distance of 2 metres to the stage and 1 metre between customers is no longer a regulation. But there are simply too few guests yet to worry about space. Those who visit a bar can have their temperature taken and handwrite their name and phone number on sheets of paper. "Personally, I dont mind, but Im afraid of being inspected and having to close down again if another wave of infection comes," says bar owner Anyamanee.
Many bar owners opened out of financial need and now find that it is hardly worthwhile. If there is no more activity in the city in the next few months during the high season of 2022, many will probably close down again. Quite a few will never reopen because the running costs of rent led to a closure of the business. Those that have reopened are eagerly awaiting the tourist rush that prevailed before Covid-19, or at least hoping for the relaxations that have been in place since this month for the entry of international tourists.
No more quarantine and only show vaccination certificate. They are hoping for the best.
