Thailand opens red-light districts, attracting large crowds of tourists.

According to Thai PBS World, from June 1st, Thailand allowed the partial reopening of pubs, bars, and other entertainment venues, including karaoke bars and Soapy Massage Parlors (soap massage parlors, also known as Body Massage, where women perform massages for clients in a tub)...

On June 6th, Bangkok Post published a video titled "Night Market Life Has Returned to Bangkok." The video depicts the bustling and vibrant atmosphere that has been revived at the city's nightlife entertainment venues.

Previously, Thai and international media quoted Thai officials as saying: "Nightlife will return from June 1st in Bangkok and 30 other provinces in the Green and Blue zones, including popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chonburi… These nightlife venues must still comply with Covid-19 prevention procedures and close at midnight, and staff need to undergo weekly rapid testing."

However, adult entertainment venues are still circumventing the law and remaining open before official easing of restrictions. According to Amazinglanta.com, all red-light districts in Bangkok (Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza, Patpong, etc.) are technically still closed. However, some Go Go Bars (red-light bars featuring pole dancing, striptease, etc.) that sell fast food are still discreetly welcoming customers.

Also from June 1st, Thailand further eased travel restrictions by removing quarantine requirements for international tourists. Accordingly, fully vaccinated foreign visitors only need to present proof of vaccination and health insurance with at least $10,000 to enter the country.

For international travelers who have not been vaccinated or have only been partially vaccinated, a negative PCR or rapid test result issued within 72 hours before travel is required.

The Thailand Pass system has been abolished for Thai citizens, but remains in place for non-Thai citizens. The mask mandate remains in effect pending a new decision (expected in mid-June, to gradually eliminate it in some areas).

Thanks to the easing of restrictions, Thailand welcomed 1 million tourists from the beginning of 2022 to May 18th – a significant increase compared to the 427,869 visitors in all of 2021, but still far short of the nearly 40 million visitors in 2019.

According to forecasts from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), approximately 50,000 tourists from neighboring markets visit the country each month during the low season (May-September). During the high season (October-December), the number of visitors reaches over 1 million per month, including those from more distant markets such as Europe and the United States.

Anh Thi