The party’s over: Bangkok’s wild nightlife falls silent out of respect for late king
Foreign governments have urged their citizens to behave respectfully, while Thai tourist authorities have asked travellers to dress in sombre clothing
Thailand’s party heart – Bangkok – has stopped beating but international tourists still flocking to the city synonymous with fun are falling into line out of respect for the country’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The passing of the world’s longest-reigning monarch on Thursday aged 88 triggered an outpouring of grief nationwide and prompted the government to announce an unprecedented year-long period of mourning. Its most immediate effect has been to curtail much of the capital’s renowned over-the-top entertainment.
Bars, nightclubs and restaurants have fallen quiet after visits from police and army officers with orders to tone down the revelry – even if most of their patrons are tourists from overseas.
On Saturday in Khaosan Road, Bangkok’s infamous backpacker hot spot, bar managers and tourists insisted they had never seen such a complete shutdown.
We have been open more than 20 years and we have never seen anything quite like this
“We have been open more than 20 years and we have never seen anything quite like this,” said Sambat Chen, a manger at the Lucky Beer bar. “Before the king died we were busy, busy just like normal. But after he passed away we were visited by the police and so now we only sell alcohol in the morning and afternoon.
