Pattaya karaoke bar closed after social media exposes sex services

Widespread prostitution may well be Thailand’s worst kept secret, with sex services being covertly offered in a variety of venues across the country such as bars, clubs, and massage shops. But a karaoke shop in Pattaya has temporarily shut down after social media post outed the well-known sex for sale secret.

Though the official name of the venue was not released or named by local media, the karaoke bar had been operating for 10 years and was known locally as Nakata. It stands on the way into Bang Lamung on Sukhumvit Road, tucked behind a roadside petrol station.

A recent post went viral on social media alleging that the bar offered more than just cheesy backup music for drunken guests to warble into echo-laden microphones over, claiming that sexual services were for hire directly in front of the venue.

Locals in the area reported seeing a police patrol car driving up the street and warning the operators of the karaoke bar to close down the venue until further action is taken regarding the alleged sex on offer. The shop was empty for the last two nights, with no staff or customers present, lights off and quiet.

Other local venues near the karaoke bar with similarly questionable business activities that may include sex services were also observed to have closed up shop temporarily, perhaps anticipating a deeper investigation by local police.

The venues have been operating for years, but residents complain that the seedy karaoke bar alleged to offer sex services is uncomfortably close to more wholesome venues like a local school, a Buddhist temple, and the Bang Lamung Police Station. No word on whether an official investigation is ongoing, or if any charges have been filed against the venue. But as of now, they remain closed, awaiting further notice.

SOURCE: The Pattaya News