Bangkok faces 3rd nightlife shutdown after COVID hits Thonglor, Ekkamai

The head of Thailand’s alcohol sellers association said this morning he wouldn’t be surprised if health officials again close Bangkok’s pubs and clubs after dozens of new COVID-19 infections were found in the heart of the downtown nightlife scene.

Owners and consumers likely face a third shutdown if health officials follow their own rules, said Thanakorn Kuptaijit, president of Alcoholic Beverage Business Association, after at least 45 COVID-19 cases were found centered around the Ekkamai and Thonglor nightlife areas.

“When they discover COVID-19 such as at markets or any venues, it’s normal to shut down the places. It’s very likely that they will do the same for these pubs,” he said.

A City Hall representative reached by phone this morning said no decision had yet been made on whether to order a third shutdown. On Sunday, the Bangkok Metropolitan…