Bangkok’s nightlife shuts down, and no one knows when the party will resume
Death of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej has pulled the plug on the entertainment that draws many visitors to Thailand, but people working in tourist trade don’t see a long-term impact
On an ordinary Saturday night, the Soi Cowboy red-light district in Bangkok is ablaze with neon lights as skimpily clad women in go-go boots chat up tourists and twirl seductively around poles.
But the decadent flesh parade came to an abrupt halt last Thursday when soldiers marched in and shut the dance bars down. It was a gesture of respect for the country’s long-ruling monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died that day after a long illness and 70 years on the throne.
Soon, word came down from the country’s prime minister and head of its military: Thailand would be in mourning for a year, flags would be at half-mast and “joyful events” should be avoided for 30 days.
Although the government made clear that visitors should continue their travel plans as normal – as long as they tried to dress and act respectfully – bars, nightclubs and restaurants have since been closed, loud music avoided and alcohol sometimes difficult to come by. All of this has put a damper on one of the world’s most popular party spots.