The reopening of the pubs and bars of Pattaya isn’t going to happen, even when the government finally gives the green light.
There are several reasons for this, said Damrongkiat Phinitkarn, head of the entertainment association in the city.
Though operators are prepared to follow the rules most just won’t bother to open at all, he told 77kaoded
Much of their reluctance concerns the 22 new rules about what patrons can and can’t do.
This will involve extra staffing and extra expense. They will be needed to enforce where patrons can walk, stop them singing and dancing. It will just not be worth it.
Social distancing measures alone will mean if they are to follow the rules they will be at 50% capacity.
Then there is the extra cost of cleaning and health monitoring devices.
And the bottom line is that most pubs and bars and discos rely on foreign clientele.
They are not in Thailand yet and until they are, many bars will just stay shut and wait.
