However, as the reality of COVID-19 dawned, the usually fast-paced city was deserted as the government closed crowded spaces such as nightclubs and bars on 18 March.
The night before closure, Bangkok was lively as dancers entertained the decreasing number of revelers at the city’s bands and nightclubs. The residents were prepared for the shutdown even before its announcement.
An anonymous source revealed to us, “The shutdown is a good idea, in light of the current situation because the city receives many foreign visitors.”
Another source, who is a pub owner in one of the city’s nightclub districts said, “even if the government does not order us to close, we have to close our businesses for the sake of our safety.”
He closed his business for the first time in over 20 years because of the declining number of customers.
Nightclubs and bars contribute more than $5.5 billion a year to the overall economy and Bangkok is famous around the world as a city with a booming nighttime economy
Aside from bars and nightclubs, Bangkok has closed down international schools, public schools, universities and churches.
It also closed other entertainment centers and venues, including theatres, cinemas, gyms and spas, boxing rings,…
