Pattaya: Bars and clubs won't open despite bans ending

[Boomer6969]

8 hours ago, KhunKenAP said:

Best they stay closed until these stupid 22 rules go away. 

2022, if I am optimistic. Most European countries will keep  going with several hundred cases a day, for quite a while. Therefore there is not reason Thailand should let anyone enter without the 14 days quarantine.

[b2bme]

1 hour ago, DB58 said:

The problem is profit! No profit no business! So these business owners have an overhead and need to do minimum amount of business to see a profit at the end of the month. They are asked to take a double hit, 50% less business and increased cost to meet new requirements. To add insult to injury, there consumer market is shut outside country.

 

My daughter is running our bar in the US, in a State that still has restrictions, distancing, curfew, masks, no pool, no singing... she’s working just to pay rent on the lease and overhead... no wage no profit. If things don’t change we’ll loose the business.
 

So this isn’t BS on the owners part, it’s just business, or lack of it.

Don't know about the rest of Thailand but Bangkok Sukhumvit area bars, pubs, restaurants, go go etc have been running at about 50% for the last 5 years compared to say 10 years ago. The place has been suffering a slow death for a number of reasons. 

[JackThompson]

3 hours ago, Kerryd said:

Yeah, you may go to a village and see 1 or 2 "modern" houses built by "money from Pattaya". The other 400 houses in the village though were built by "working in the rice fields". (Or whatever endeavour they normally do to earn a living at in their area.)

Those "really nice" homes were built by expats who live there.  Many others have new roofs, modern bathrooms, etc, because of family working overseas** and/or contributions from foreign husbands and "boyfriends."

 

**( Because immigration allowed Burmese and Cambodians to take their former-jobs in their own country, while simultaneously ending other's jobs who worked in now-closed guest-houses, etc, by blocking their foreign-customers.  All of that pre-covid - but now worse ).

[JackThompson]

4 hours ago, lesmac said:

They never will, this is the way we have always done it and this is the way we always will, stupid Farangs no nothing about Thais

Actually, Thailand was much more foreign-friendly in the past, and it paid great dividends.  Every foreign-money spender was a net-benefit. 

 

It's only in the past few years, that immigration has been allowed (directed?) to wreck things - turning an industry where a huge % of the money reached those at the bottom of the economic-scale, into a "tour-group" system that made tourist-areas unbearably crowded, and where most of the spending benefitted only "connected" cronies. 

 

And Then, covid hit.

[Chivas]

6 hours ago, skorp13 said:

The conditions are ridiculous. This is the governments way of saying you can open so don't come crying to us. They also have had backlash and know hardly anyone will go to a bar or club given those restrictions. It is simply a political move to put blame on society for the continued starvation of these industry workers and also say we do not need to feed you because we have allowed you to re-open. Bad stuff going on!

The reality was pre covid Pattaya was in a death spiral in huge swathes of areas. Now we're left with 90% of the footfall gone for the forseeable future leaving just the 10% expats (if that) making up the numbers.

Vast majority of bars wont take enough cash to even pay the utility and cashier.

No Girls obviously, socially distanced, face masks, no dancing, no singing and all the rest lol....not a chance in hell anyone will be interested or tolerate that.

95% of what we knew in 2019 will be gone 2 years from now in June 2022 when I suspect the restrictions may start to ease.

Nothing will ever be the same again

[Deli]

Government played it well. Theu give bar owners the chance to open, at the same time applying redicilous rules, nobody can and is willing to follow. In the end it's not the Governments fault if entertaionment business is failing and dying, it's the owner and patrons who do not want to be treated like in a kindergarten.

Just waiting for the hungry and desperate poeple from the tourism business to march in BKK.

[tribalfusion001]

20 minutes ago, Chivas said:

The reality was pre covid Pattaya was in a death spiral in huge swathes of areas. Now we're left with 90% of the footfall gone for the forseeable future leaving just the 10% expats (if that) making up the numbers.

Vast majority of bars wont take enough cash to even pay the utility and cashier.

No Girls obviously, socially distanced, face masks, no dancing, no singing and all the rest lol....not a chance in hell anyone will be interested or tolerate that.

95% of what we knew in 2019 will be gone 2 years from now in June 2022 when I suspect the restrictions may start to ease.

Nothing will ever be the same again

No it won't be the same again, covid-19 and fear of it has killed the go go bars and likely the beer bars off too. Will be interesting how the big soapys along the Ratchadapisek cope with the changes as Thai's and other Asians visit those places.

[tribalfusion001]

3 minutes ago, Deli said:

Just waiting for the hungry and desperate poeple from the tourism business to march in BKK.

No different to many other places in the world, the mass unemployment is just starting to kick in and I expect lots of protests coming up.

[tomauasia]

All lies.... They want to completely kill off the sex industry. It's a requirement for the new casino consortium to go ahead with the development. Chinese partners. They are not doing all this for a stupid mall.

Sold out to a dirty biological warfare scum bags. At the expense of Thai lives.

This government gives a new meaning to the word corrupt.

[dodgybros]

11 minutes ago, tribalfusion001 said:

No it won't be the same again, covid-19 and fear of it has killed the go go bars and likely the beer bars off too. Will be interesting how the big soapys along the Ratchadapisek cope with the changes as Thai's and other Asians visit those places.

There has not been a case of covid 19 in Pattaya for 72 days, doubt anyone living here has any sort of fear.

[P100]

Probably not the rules are the major prob. But for who should they open if their customers cant enter the country..

[tribalfusion001]

1 minute ago, dodgybros said:

There has not been a case of covid 19 in Pattaya for 72 days, doubt anyone living here has any sort of fear.

Government control fear of the virus.

[tomauasia]

2 minutes ago, dodgybros said:

There has not been a case of covid 19 in Pattaya for 72 days, doubt anyone living here has any sort of fear.

Correct smoke and mirrors

[Rebreb]

Wow, sell. 

[JackThompson]

25 minutes ago, tribalfusion001 said:

No it won't be the same again, covid-19 and fear of it has killed the go go bars and likely the beer bars off too. Will be interesting how the big soapys along the Ratchadapisek cope with the changes as Thai's and other Asians visit those places.

Oh, yes, how are these "rules" applied in "soapy-massages," exactly?  I've never used their services, but have a general idea how it works.????

[JackThompson]

17 minutes ago, P100 said:

Probably not the rules are the major prob. But for who should they open if their customers cant enter the country..

That was a problem pre-covid - "good customer" = "come to Thailand too much - entry-denied!"

[tribalfusion001]

6 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

Oh, yes, how are these "rules" applied in "soapy-massages," exactly?  I've never used their services, but have a general idea how it works.????

Face mask and visor taken off when "bathing", you couldn't make up these absurd rules, but they have 555.

[elliss]

10 hours ago, KhunKenAP said:

You can bet the police will be checking all open bars and arrest any patron's and bar owners for a single violation of any of the 22 rules. I would estimate the odds of anyone in a bar frequented by farangs being busted at around 90%. Of course there will be mass confusion on what is OK or Not OK. They will arrest first and ask questions later, so they can get picture in the news media.

 

Best they stay closed until these stupid 22 rules go away. 

 

     I for one , will be giving the Bars a miss . 

         Intimidation rules , under this so called Government .

           Thailand , will suffer the consequences of it's stupidity, for a long time ..

 

Edited June 25, 2020 by elliss

[Max69xl]

11 hours ago, robblok said:

So its not the government keeping them closed its the owners thinking it wont be profitable if they have to follow the rules. 

 

I don't get it what is the problem with the 50% capacity. I mean its not as if they would be at 100% capacity in low season anyway. 

 

 

I think you don't entirely understand the rules and there are 22 of them. Read them and then post again. 

[JackThompson]

27 minutes ago, tribalfusion001 said:

Face mask and visor taken off when "bathing", you couldn't make up these absurd rules, but they have 555.

When bathing - but not when sitting with a lady in a bar?  So, the "bathing" prevents breathing, I assume - especially "heavy breathing"?  I didn't see their exception in the 22 rules, but not surprised if those businesses "bought an exception."

No "pool" in bars is an odd one.  I read you need a license for a pool table in a bar.  What is their hang-up with pool?  My wife and I (neither good players) used to go to bars occasionally, just for that.  No reason at all to go now.

 

  

24 minutes ago, Max69xl said:

I think you don't entirely understand the rules and there are 22 of them. Read them and then post again. 

Yes, after reading them - it's basically just "drink alone somewhat near other people" rules.  Folks who want to drink together will just do so privately - and same for the punters, who will just arrange "meet ups" online.

 

Edited June 25, 2020 by JackThompson

[b2bme]

21 minutes ago, Max69xl said:

I think you don't entirely understand the rules and there are 22 of them. Read them and then post again. 

Below is the full list of 22 rules that pubs, bars, and entertainment venues must follow:

In West Australia most of these are being implemented and followed already in pubs that have opened up. You book your seats and time online. Yes not as crowded but you can go to the pub and have a drink and a meal. It's first steps to returning to normal. No one is complaining.

Rule 10 could be done better such as black (or white) boards with the menus on them which eliminates single use waste. 

Rule 11 makes more sense to me to serve bottles rather that risk getting a contaminated unwashed glass. Remember the outbreak in Thonglor.

There is probably 4 silly rules but I'm pretty sure after your second beer you have learnt to live with them. 

1. Control and restrict the number of people entering the premises to maintain social distancing measures. 

2. All staff and customers must undergo temperature checks

3. Ensure there is an adequate amount of hand sanitizer gel available at the entrances and exits

4. A maximum of five people may sit together as a group

5. Ensure that there is enough space for queuing customers before entry

6. Each table must have at least two meters distance or a partition installed

7. Guests must maintain social distancing with at least one meter between each other

8.  Ensure proper ventilation throughout the premises

9. Dancing and singing by customers is prohibited 

10. Replace all menus with a single-use sheet of paper

11. Serve drinks in glasses only – no bottles

12. All staff must wear both face masks and face shields

13. Install a partition between the performance area and guests

14. Shouting, wandering, and gathering is prohibited on the premises

15. Performers and musicians must wear face shields

16. Provide personal cutlery for each guest

17. Undertake cleaning of the premises every 30 – 60 minutes

18. Tables, chairs, doorknobs, counters, and other frequently used and touched surfaces must be sanitized daily

19. Competitions and group activities are prohibited

20. Bar games, including darts and pool, are prohibited

21. Maintain social distancing in smoking areas

22. Product presenters/promotion staff may not sit with guests

[amdy2206]

The army are control freaks allowing nothing outside their control. They are also party-poopers not allowing any fun activities. They are like the ubiquitious 'Maiden Aunts'. No fun, no excitement and do as you are told. This success story, mirrored by many other countries, has gone to their heads. They will ruin the economy due to their blinkered, and puritanical thinking. 

[Mac98]

12 hours ago, robblok said:

Good point then to keep them closed. Its exactly as you said the things people want to do in a bar cant be done safe because of corvid and people will break the rules ASAP. So why open them at all if people dont even want to adhere to the rules.

 

When I go shopping i follow all the rules why would bars be exempt.

In markets shoppers are not supposed to handle meat on display, but they break the rules and do so. Therefore, I demand all markets be closed. Thank you for making life's rules so clear.

[MayPutThai]

12 hours ago, luckyluke said:

The keeping distances is nowhere respected or implemented, where ever I go here., my wife has same experiences on open markets in Nongprue.

 

 

Well, I also see that here in my town that people don't keep distance. I don't mind that. I simply follow from now on my own rules, just even with my weak wife in mind who has leukemia. I don't stroll around, wear mask at shopping, disinfect my hands when ever there is any bottle and back home wash my hands. We touch so many things outside and the next virus is waiting from whom we don't know yet. We must change behavior. Of course in any restaurant or beer bar a mask is not that help, but keeping distance, don't shake hands should be easy in Thailand.

The Wai might be introduced on the same reason why muslime don't eat pork. Because both at their time hundred years ago made the people sick without knowing why. Today we know about bacteria and virus and should be more clever to handle that.

[A512]

I am okay with all bars going to ashes, and carry the bar girls all together, make them understand in the hard way life is not easy. There was a few attempts to abolish prostitution in Thailand, all failed, now it seems we got a point. I couldn't care less for it. I heard that Thailand want only the wealth, what a great time to shutdown it all. Revamp Pattaya!

[redwood1]

7 hours ago, dave moir said:

If there have been no new cases throughout the kingdom in the last 28 or so days apart from those entering the country, how is there any chance of a second wave? Just don't open borders too eagerly and see how domestic travel fares first!

Trust me friend there WILL be a 2nd wave.....The vaccine needs a 2nd wave......Hardly anyone would take the vaccine now.....But after the next lockdown from hell lots of people will be eager to take the vaccine..... The media reminds us 24/7 about the vaccine for a reason...

 

The 2nd wave will be a doozy they will make sure of this..

 

 

Edited June 25, 2020 by redwood1

[chaihot]

4 hours ago, b2bme said:

 

3. Ensure there is an adequate amount of hand sanitizer gel available at the entrances and exits

4. A maximum of five people may sit together as a group

5. Ensure that there is enough space for queuing customers before entry

6. Each table must have at least two meters distance or a partition installed

7. Guests must maintain social distancing with at least one meter between each other

8.  Ensure proper ventilation throughout the premises

9. Dancing and singing by customers is prohibited 

10. Replace all menus with a single-use sheet of paper

11. Serve drinks in glasses only – no bottles

12. All staff must wear both face masks and face shields

13. Install a partition between the performance area and guests

14. Shouting, wandering, and gathering is prohibited on the premises

15. Performers and musicians must wear face shields

16. Provide personal cutlery for each guest

17. Undertake cleaning of the premises every 30 – 60 minutes

18. Tables, chairs, doorknobs, counters, and other frequently used and touched surfaces must be sanitized daily

19. Competitions and group activities are prohibited

20. Bar games, including darts and pool, are prohibited

21. Maintain social distancing in smoking areas

22. Product presenters/promotion staff may not sit with guests

Two years ago, had someone penned this, none of us would be able to control the laughter.  

 

I still can't control the laughter!!!

[SiSePuede419]

16 hours ago, webfact said:

Much of their reluctance concerns the 22 new rules about what patrons can and can't do. 

 

Good idea.

 

Because anyone dumb enough to hang out in bars couldn't possibly be smart enough to follow 22 rules. ????

[tribalfusion001]

27 minutes ago, chaihot said:

Two years ago, had someone penned this, none of us would be able to control the laughter.  

 

I still can't control the laughter!!!

You forgot #22 which applies to girly bars, defeats the point of going there.

 

22. Product presenters/promotion staff may not sit with guests

Edited June 25, 2020 by tribalfusion001

[Truth Will Set You Free]

Damn if they do and damn if they don’t! Where is the concern for life? All you expats think about your Di cks! Why would you want to be in a bar knowing that you might walk out of it infected! Did you take into consideration that they are allowing Thai’s to return home positive from other countries. It only takes one to restart everything over.
 

The reopening of the malls and other places are already seeing they can’t sustain control of entry.  People signing in using false information. They should have made it mandatory you use the app on your phone to sign in or you can not come in. Back to where is the concern for life, they have more death from drinking, this should be the focus as well, but they don’t care. So damn if they do and damn if they don’t. 
 

Once the world comes up with a treatment, just stay home and beat it. You will learn in the long run you don’t need the bars.