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, cockfighting arenas, horse racing tracks, massage parlors, and boxing arenas to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The Thai government also put off its most significant holiday: the Songkran festivities, the traditional New Year in Thailand celebrated between April 13 and April 15 to limit the mass movement of city residents visiting their families in the rural regions.
The three-day celebrations, which involve extensive inundation of water, had to be cancelled.
The preventive measures were enforced just after an increase in the number of new infections.
As of Sunday, Thailand had 3 new coronavirus infections, bringing Thai’s total tally to 2,969 cases. 54 people have died, while 2,732 people have recovered and left isolation facilities.
As the numbers increased, the nation ramped up its preventive measures like social distancing and restricting mass gatherings.
Preventive orders also apply to resorts and restaurants. But the government is likely to allow restaurants to reopen as long as they adhere to the preventive measures against COVID-19 such as social distancing.
Thailand has allowed some businesses to reopen on May 3, including golf courses and restaurants, as the coronavirus outbreak comes under control. However, alcohol sales are banned for another month in restaurants and the government has also said that team sports such as soccer must be avoided.
Thai authorities have emphasized the need to reduce public gatherings due to infection cases linked to a boxing match. He further added that government employees should work from home as much as possible.
Although the country has not announced a lockdown yet, the entertainment business has been walloped by the pandemic. Nevertheless, it is too early to estimate financial loss in this industry due to COVID-19 because the preventive measures, the total reach, and the length of the pandemic determine its progression and economic impact.
Casinos are compelling their customers to engage in online poker and casino games. A representative from Sbobet revealed to us that despite the postponement of key sporting events, the company has not been closed for business and moving gamers to the online platform was effective.
More gamers are now playing their favorite casino games online to ease the boredom associated with staying at home. A recent study warns that as people play online casino games for long periods to cope with the situation, they are likely to develop gambling-related disorders.
We, therefore, advise you to practice safe online gambling as you enjoy online poker and casino games.
