Bangkok’s closed bars may reopen Jan. 16, with some big ifs

Bangkok’s nightlife purveyors got a whiff of good news today with word that this month’s reopening date may still happen. 

Though the number of new cases continued to surge and hospital beds filled roughly 10% overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic task force today said that the bars closed the past nine months may reopen if they obtain health certification.

Though all venues must stop serving alcohol at 9pm starting Jan. 16, those that obtain so-called SHA certification may resume operations. That will be relief for the few bars that haven’t quietly resumed sales on the sly. Those with restaurant licenses have been able to operate legally.

The reopening plan and earlier booze curfew – alcohol can currently sell until 11pm – apply to areas designated “blue.” For those struggling to keep track of the color codes, blue covers tourism destinations that…