BANGKOK EYES PRESENTS -
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BANGKOK EYES PRESENTS -
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 As Thailand's 3rd Wave of Coronavirus continues unabated, so remain Thailand's strict protocols for Virus 'Crisis Management'. Worst hit by current Go vernment restrictions is Bangkok's Night Entertainment Industry, now entering it's second month of total lockdown. Combined with the inexplicably slow acquisition and distribution of vaccines, Thailand's most vibrant sector of its economy - Tourism - remains at a virtual standstill. MIDNITE HOUR
continues to record for historical reference Bangkok Night Enertainment's 'darkest hour'. Readers planning to come to Thailand for tourism will possibly find the below useful.
Because of the unanticipated surge in new infections / deaths associated with the Coronavirus 3rd Wave, the Thai Government, in May of this year, extended the term of the ongoing Emergency Decree for another two months. Many mistakenly thought this was an extension of the restrictions now in force in the current partial lockdown. (The Decree is the legal means to take necessary actions only). At the end of May, BMA authorities had scheduled to 'loosen the reins' by 1 June, however this was almost as quickly postponed to 15 June 2021 by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) headed by the Prime Minister. The 5 groupings of 'venue types' poised to reopen are as follows:
1. Museums. Education Centers. Science Centers, Centers of Natural History. Art Galleries. (Group visits not allowed.)
2. Tattoo and body piercing salons. Finger nail salons. (If the virus is found in salons, they will have to close for 14 days. 3. 'Weight Watching' salons. Beauty clinics. 4. Spas, Health massages, Beauty Massage salons. Traditional massage. Foot Massage. (Except: Sauna, Herbal steam, steam baths, face massage.) 5. Public Parks, Botanical Gardens, Flower Gardens. (Do not sit in groups, and bringing in food is not allowed - with the exception of water. ) Needless to say, these are "Wait-And-See" items... " > * The below charts show that the 3rd Wave of Coronavirus-19 is fading globally, both in numbers of infections and numbers of deaths. However, Thailand's 3rd Wave occurred later than the world averages, and statistically hasn't yet begun to taper off. In 2020 (pre-vaccine), Thailand statistics were perhaps the best in the world for a country of this size. This caused authorities to develop an attitude of, "It can't happen here, as long as we keep on keeping on..." What they didn't realize, even after the initial release of vaccines in other countries, was Thailand's "isolation bubble" was dangerously fragile. Even when vaccines became available internationally, the Government's attitude on both procurement and manufacture, was, "What's the hurry?" Well, Thailand's "isolation bubble" was (as can be seen) thoroughly burst, and new cases and death numbers began shooting through the roof, comparatively speaking... But by that time, Thailand was too far behind the power curve on vaccines. While efforts are currently under way to remedy the problem, we are still in "catch-up" mode, with too little imported and manufactured vaccine available to the public.
We note that the three 'spikes' in new cases in the Thailand chart immediately below were due to the inclusion of one-off reports of 'clusters' found in the national prison system. 
So, what's the prognosis, Doc? If we can take into consideration our recent past regarding the easing of restrictions, and stir in an estimate on the effects of the vaccines, our crystal ball indicates.....
.....At the current rate of vaccine distribution most of the citizens and foreigners that want to be vaccinated will have their first vaccination within 3 months from now - (the end of August). The second jabs completed by the end of September. During which time the Night Entertainment Venues will be allowed to reopen (as with the last lull in infections). However, due to the country's overly strict and overly complex protocols on letting vaccinated tourists into country, the Night Entertainment / Hotel sector will continue to suffer. Bars that do reopen will, as last time, rarely have enough custom to stay open. Many bars will not reopen because of this, and many others will go out of business (as have many already). Should the Gove rnment adopt more realistic criteria for tourism, which they must do eventually, it would be possible for tourism to return to some semblance of normalcy by the end of the year. ..And while we are prognosticating... our crystal ball tells us not to put too much faith in the Phuket Sandbox tourism sanctuary plan... it looks like an overly complicated, unmanageable house-of-cards waiting for the monsoon winds....
IF YOU'RE PLANNING TO TRAVEL...
For those trying to navigate the multitude of changing regulations, we recommend the Skyscanner link below: Once at the website , scroll down a bit and click on “View Live Map”, and you can enter your home country (or where you are now), and the destination you’re interested in. They give you all the latest information on infection rate/trend, and regulations on quarantine, testing, etc. If you give them your e-mail address, they will send you updates when there’s a change in your specific travel interest(s).
General Information for Travelers to Thailand From the USA.
The following procedure / documents are required. Note: These procedures / guidelines are subject to change, so periodic coordination with the Thai Consulate nearest you is recommended. Those arriving in Thailand from other countries may find variations to these guidelines. 1. Negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Covid-19 Virus within 72 hours of boarding their flight to BKK or HKT [Phuket] airports. 2. Covid-19 vaccination certificate, dated within 14 days to 1 year prior to their arrival. 3. If the traveler is hoping to be in the 14-day Phuket 'sandbox program', then they can only fly directly into Phuket, no transfers in Bangkok allowed. Tourists will need to spend 7 nights in Phuket before being allowed to travel elsewhere in the Kingdom. 4. COE ( = Certificate of Entry) from a local Thai embassy.. https://coethailand.mfa.go.th . Fill in the online application for COE at least 15 working days before the intend date of travel. Please note, the following documents are required to be uploaded to the COE website prior to issuing the COE: - Passport - Valid Visa and/ or re-entry permit. - Certificate of Residence. [if you have one] - Covid-19 medical insurance coverage of US$100,000.. The insurance should have the following information : * Medical costs that cover COVID-19 treatment in Thailand; * Period of the insurance policy ( start … / end … ) and cover the period of stay in Thailand; * Minimum coverage of 100,000 USD of medical costs. * ASQ – Confirmation of a 14-day booking of an ASQ hotel [ = Alternative State Quarantine hotel]. Note: the traveler must stay at an officially approved hotel, certified by the Amazing Thailand Safely & Health Administration. [called an ALQ?] - A copy of flight confirmation/ reservation, showing going from US to Thailand. (The name of the applicant must be indicated clearly) - Please note: use the “arrow” button to be sure the document is uploaded properly. 5. All arrivals will need to download the contact-tracing app, Thailand Plus. https://apps.apple.com/th/app/thailandplus/id1534557694 6. For the 14 days in Phuket, the traveler must download this app and turn on while in Phuket. https://www.gophuget.com. With regard to the insurance requirement mentioned above, travellers to Thailand from the USA have found the below Insurance Company was able to provide them with the proper insurance.
Editorial
The Vaccine - Something Special for all you Crybabies
When your parents (and perhaps you) were growing up, virtually everyone got vaccinated for Smallpox. There were no hordes of 'individualists' refusing to get vaccinated, claiming their Constitutional rights were being violated. It was required for everyone. Smallpox is now virtually relegated to the history books, no longer is it necessary to continue global immunization programs. During the Polio epidemic of the 1950s, when the Salk and Sabin vaccines were developed, virtually everyone was clamoring to get inoculated, including all the children. Again, there were no hordes of 'individualists' insisting their personal freedoms and 'right to choose' were being infringed upon. Polio was eliminated in the Americas in 1994, (vaccinations are now 'recommended' only). Remember, by being vaccinated against Covid, the protection you receive is not for you, it is for everyone else - as protection from you. Yet another case of adjusting one's perspective: 'It's not about you'. So, unless your doctor has specifically told you not to get vaccinated, get your Covid vaccination as soon as you are able... Currently Thailand requires locals and foreigners to wear masks under most conditions. Also, as can be seen above, those coming to Thailand are now required to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. So if you are one of those Dear Spoiled Babies who feels you are being 'forced' to wear a mask, and are being 'forced' to carry a 'Covid Passport' because these things infringe on your First Amendment Rights or 'personal choice', or even your 'political beliefs', then, fine. Stay home - do not come to Thailand... 
Hot off the presses... Look familiar?  
MIDNITE HOUR
MAIL
Let the Follies begin-
On our end-of-month survey this last month we began to see what everyone was predicting - Night Entertainment Venues that had closed temporarily due to the lockdown, would start to close permanently. The number of "For Rent" and "For Sale" signs increasing significantly. Where we are aware, we have reported these permanent closures below. But we have no way to determine how many Nitespots have already gone out of business - as it is most likely many of those bars will not have bothered to put out signs. Bangkok's Nightscene is far from being "back to normal", and it is very likely a great number of Nightlife Venues will have disappeared by the time Thailand opens its doors to tourism once again".
The Kiss, lit only by the new, rather harsh street lighting, may -or may not- be reopening once tourism returns to Thailand. The Tip Top Restaurant (left) remains in total darkness.
 PATPONG 1
An anomaly of sorts... an (unnamed barber shop) has opened up in the darkness that is Patpong 1... Although not in the 'realm of Night Entertainment', we wish them 'sunshine on both sides of the street'.
PATPONG 1
The Crystal Palace, in the glow of Foodland's exterior lighting, remains in indefinite limbo. The Patpong Cafe shrouded in darkness (immediate left) - fate unknown...
PATPONG 2
Up on The Ramp, Hotmale gay bar is quietly 'open', although we saw no customers when we passed by...
PATPONG 2
Lit by street lighting only, the Moonshine Joint and Jungle Jim's and Suzie Wong (far right) remain locked down like Alcatraz....
SOI COWBOY
We will be surprised if the Midnite, closed since before the Coronavirus crisis, ever reopens...
SOI COWBOY
Closed for the duration, how many of Nana Plaza's bars willl perish in this 'Night Entertainment Dark Age' ?
NANA PLAZA
The Angels Four, as with the other Hillary Group bars, remains in lockdown isolation. No end in sight - Bangkok's Dark Age continues unabated...
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT) The Hooters exterior signage remains aglow, but the dark interior tells the real story....
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT) In an otherwise blacked-out soi, Soi Nana's smaller restaurants and Mom & Pop stores remain open - as with the Swan Inn 2 in the below photo...
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT) The G's Bangkok has been able to keep the doors open throughout the Pandemic - until now. Hopefully, they are in hibernation, and will resurface at a future time.
SOI KATOEY
The Pride, while appearing open, was in fact only doing 'house-cleaning'.
SOI KATOEY
The one bright spark on Soi 22 was in Soi Starlight - the Flower Cafe has reopened - with new neon, and all. Khun Ying remains at the helm. If you want anything other than kwei tiew, you need to order it in a coffee cup...
SOI 22
Soi Ambassador (Sukhumvit Soi 11) remains a virtual ghost town. With the exception of the temporary lighting of the couple of bar beers (the previous Tewly Cocktail group) and sidewalk eateries (far right in photo), the soi remains grave-yard dead.
SOI AMBASSADOR
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)  SOI 7 PLAZA
(And the Soi 7 Bier Garten)
The Soi 7 Bier Garten is back in operation. Lights out in front, and dim lighting inside, once the young lady lets you in the front gate, its back to deja vu all over again... We assume, but do not profess to know, they are ostensibly able to keep operating as a 'restaurant'...
VIDEO CLIP SOI 7 PLAZA
The Moonshine Pub 22, a Soi 7 Plaza mainstay, is closed down - as are the rest of the Night Entertainment Area venues...
SOI 7 PLAZA
The Day & Nice Bar, closed, is still offering 'Happy Hour'. Hopefully their optimism will be rewarded in the near future...
SOI 7 PLAZA
The only one making any money in Soi 7 Plaza is the land owner - his popular (or at least well-used) 'jailhouse' toilet continues to eat 10 Baht coins from the girls working outside in the Soi 7 street bars.
SOI 7 PLAZA
The Soi 7 street bars and noodle vendors line both sides of the soi from Sukhumvit Road to the Soi 7 Bier Garten. As business is virtually nonexistent, the ladies-of-the-evening -normally huddling around the street bars- have taken to sitting ...and waiting ...in the plastic chairs lining the sidewalk.
SOI 7 PLAZA
Soi Dead Artists remains dark and dreary - no Night Entertainment Venues were open, not even 'speakeasy-style'. The usual convenience stores remained open, as did some of the restaurants, but other than that, a very depressing Nightscene...
SOI DEAD
ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) The Akane and the Demonia, two 'Specialty' Venues, remained closed. More and more of the venues on Soi Dead Artists are putting out "For Lease" signs - they won't be coming back after the eventual lifting of the ongoing 'Entertainment Dark Ages'.
SOI DEAD
ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) The Survey Entertainment is yet another of the growing number of Nitespots that has fallen to the Coronavirus / Coronaphobia double-whammy. Note the "For Rent" sign in the pic below. Survey was a great lounge for quiet conversation and a cool drink. Here's hoping they will spring back to life at some future time...
SOI DEAD
ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) The Kawinya Massage, the Good Time Massage & Salon and the next-door 'unnamed bar beer' are openly 'open'. Obviously the authorities don't check.... or do they? Ahennnh.... Further into the Soi, the Dalah Massage and the Bangkok Beer Cafe are, as was the case last month, open speakeasy-style (or do they, somehow, qualify as 'restaurants'?).
SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7 / 1)
Once again, Midnite Hour digs deep into the dust-laden cupboards in our attic, and discovers a few clippings and pics of Nitespots from December 1964 - back when 'Night Clubs' (with Philippine bands) outnumbered the 'bars'...
 
The Monte Carlo Night Club is not only long gone, but the "New Rajprasong Shopping Center" in which it stood has also long ago gone to major redevelopments.
With thanks to Cool Text.com
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Bangkok Eyes is an historically based news outlet, and as such, all graphic excerpts herein are considered, under current legal precedents and
prevailing interpretations, 'Fair Use' under Copyright Law. Copyright of any original artwork resides exclusively with the artists.
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The MIDNITE HOUR Graffiti Page is prepared by Staff Contributor "Boge" Hartman. (Boge's photo, above, is not a graffiti per-se, although there are those who have insinuated.... - Ed)
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William R. Morledge |
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June's Nitelife News 
