Bangkok's red-light district was sparsely populated during the national mourning period.

Many bars and massage parlors in Bangkok's famous nightlife or red-light districts have fewer customers than usual due to compliance with regulations restricting entertainment activities during the national mourning period.

When Zing.vn arrived at Patpong red-light district on the night of October 15th, the atmosphere was noticeably quieter than usual. The shops were open but without brightly colored signs, loud speakers, or loud music.

Patpong is quiet, Khao San is less crowded.

Gone are the days of men on the streets soliciting customers with signs featuring scantily clad girls. Most of the hostesses now sit inside – they don't go out soliciting. When Zing.vn reporter Hai An interviewed a girl at a massage parlor, she said they still serve customers if requested.

When passing through a popular hangout spot for the gay community, about 800 meters from Patpong, most of the well-known bars and massage parlors were closed.

A bar on Khao San Road is sparsely populated on the day of national mourning. Photo: CT.

Khao San Road, often compared to Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City, was also sparsely populated on the weekend. On weekdays, the street is usually packed with people, bars are full, and some even spill out onto the road. However, since the government declared a national day of mourning, many shops and beer gardens have seen a significant drop in customers. Business continues, but vendors are no longer as enthusiastic in inviting customers.

Richard, a Frenchman who has worked in Thailand for over four years, told Zing.vn that he was very surprised to witness the high level of reverence that the Thai people have for the king. “Therefore, I also want to show my respect for these feelings of my Thai friends. The king must be a very good leader to win the hearts of the people like that.”

However, Richard admitted that some of his French friends were reconsidering their travel plans to Thailand due to concerns that recreational activities would be affected by the national mourning period.

"Resuming operations soon"

Speaking to Zing.vn, several Thai journalists said that the red-light district wouldn't remain quiet forever. They all predicted that activity there would temporarily decrease for about a month.

Woody Lakkham, a journalist at The Manager, said that since October, Thailand has entered the peak of its tourist season. “The government has requested a month-long suspension of entertainment activities, but believe me, places like the red-light districts will soon be back open.”

Khao San Road at night has fewer visitors compared to its usual crowded days. Photo: CT.

Tossapol Chaisamritpol, a news reporter for Spring News, said that the prostitution world in Thailand is not subject to any official legal regulation. “It’s an underground world with many powerful forces behind it. During national mourning, the girls may not openly solicit customers. But if a client knows certain 'regular' establishments, they can still conduct 'transactions' inside the establishment, or ask for help finding some girls.”

Phuriphat Sangkhapat, a former reporter for Matichon newspaper, said that the prostitutes are also Thai, and they also have strong feelings for the king. “During the national mourning period, to avoid trouble, they have to reduce their activities. If they show even a little disrespect, they will be scorned and punished by the entire Thai nation, which is currently grieving. But I believe the red-light districts will soon reopen.”

A female leader of the contingency planning and management unit of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said that TAT will cancel the popular Loy Krathong lantern festival in November.

Immediately after the first day of national mourning, representatives from TAT held a meeting with the government and Bangkok authorities. “The general sentiment is that we are all trying to ensure that tourism activities continue as normal in the coming period. We only advise that tourists visiting Thailand should show respect for the national mourning period in our country. Tourists should refrain from wearing overly bright or revealing clothing in public places,” said a female TAT official.

According to Zing.vn