Pattaya bar owners fret over 2nd shutdown

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Despite a Covid-19 outbreak that began in a Samut Sakhon that slowly creeps across the country, bars are allowed to stay open – for now.

Pattaya bar owners are fretting over prospects of another coronavirus lockdown, saying a new shutdown would be a death knell to the city.

As a Covid-19 outbreak that began in a Samut Sakhon slowly creeps across the country, Thais and expats on both sides of the bar worried aloud Dec. 22 that authorities will again close down bars, restaurants, shopping malls and other businesses to prevent further spread.


Those fears were exacerbated by Tuesday’s cancellation of the Pattaya Countdown, but city tourism advisor Rattanachai Sutidechanai stressed that there are no other shutdown measures planned. He said bars and pubs can continue to operate as long as they enforce strict disease-control protocols.

Many bars on Pattaya Beach Road are enjoying a modicum of success, although not as much as last year.

Duangdao Mason, owner of the Number One June beer bar on Soi Yamoto, said she spent all her savings during the first shutdown. She has no idea what she’d do if ordered to close a second time.

Thais and expats on both sides of the bar worry that authorities might again close down bars, restaurants, shopping malls and other businesses to prevent further spread.
Duangdao Mason, owner of the Number One June beer bar on Soi Yamoto, said she spent all her savings during the first shutdown. She has no idea what she’d do if ordered to close a second time.