Thailand's red light district reopens with black uniforms

Thailand's red-light districts have reopened after 10 days of national mourning. To show respect for the king, prostitutes there decided to wear black uniforms.

More than a week after the kingBhumibol Adulyadejdisappeared, tourists can easily see hundreds of prostitutes lining the streets, wearing black dresses, black shoes, black gloves... as a way to show respect, instead of colorful bikinis.

Prostitutes at Bangkok's notorious red-light district Soi Cowboy. Photo: Mirror.

“The neighborhood is still very quiet. Everyone is sad about the king’s death,” said Lek, 26, who works at Soi Cowboy. “We know that, but we need to make money. We wear black and high heels to show respect for the king. We don’t usually wear high boots because the weather in Thailand is too hot. Maybe business will return to normal in the next two weeks.”

The neighborhood is still very quiet. Photo: Mirror.

“We love and respect the king. The army understands this, so they let us work again,” said Noi, 24, a transgender woman.

Many of Bangkok’s bars and clubs have reopened, but with a low-key vibe: the neon lights are dimmed, the music is turned down to a minimum and dancing takes place behind closed doors. Police and military patrol the area, forcing them to close early, at 12 a.m. instead of 2 or 3 a.m.

Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, passed away at the age of 88 on October 13. He was considered the father of the nation and a symbol of Thailand's unity and stability. Since the king's death, the entire country has been plunged into an atmosphere of grief and mourning. Many entertainment venues have been closed for 30 days.

According to VNE