Musicians want to get back on the mic

Can we have music again? Musicians are asking for restrictions to be lifted so they can hold night performances and get back to work. Around 50 musicians petitioned the Thai PM, asking that night entertainment venues reopen by next week.

Bars are still closed as social gathering mixed with alcohol might be too risky right now. But many bars and night clubs are where musicians work. They say they want to get back to work, but understand coronavirus prevention guidelines and they’re ready to follow them. Some argue that the pandemic has left not only musicians, but other night entertainment workers like dancers and waitresses, with an empty wallet and no job to help fill it. Those with families are having a hard time putting food on the table.

“We will have had zero baht income for 4 months come July. The country has about 100,000 self-employed musicians and that means 100,000 households are affected.”

SOURCES: Thai PBS | Bangkok Post