Pattaya mayor says bars, nightlife, ready to open and obey the rules

The mayor of Pattaya says the city’s nightlife is ready to get back to business whilst agreeing to obey all the regulations that govern reopening in the aftermath of Covid-19. Mayor Sonthaya Khunpluem says venues are anxious to throw open their doors once again and willing to comply with the 22 rules outlined by the government this week.

He says the normally vibrant city has been devastated by the closure of thousands of bars, clubs, live music venues and all other nightlife for over 3 months now. The closure was ordered throughout Thailand as part of a government lock-down during the Covid-19 crisis. Pattaya is usually a thriving tourist hotspot and, as with elsewhere in Thailand, the effects of the lock-down have dealt a sharp blow to the city’s nightlife, with countless venues closed for good.

While Mayor Khunpluem acknowledges the new rules are tough, he expects them to be relaxed in time, provided there is no further outbreak of the virus. He says allowing nightlife venues to reopen is the first step and that arguing or modifying rules can come later. But bars and clubs that rely on foreign tourists are expected to struggle, with no confirmed date for when international flights may be allowed to resume or indeed, who will be granted entry. However, bars who get the bulk of their business from locals – both Thais and expats – are feeling a bit more positive about turning a profit.

Meanwhile, the 22 rules are still only a proposal. No official announcement has been made yet, although confirmation from the government’s Covid-19 task force is expected on Friday.

SOURCE: The Pattaya News