Thailand to ease nightlife lockdown, allow some entry to foreigners

Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha said the 'most at-risk businesses' will be allowed to reopen from Wednesday, as there has been no local transmission of the virus for more than a month. 'The most important thing we care about are the people who have no income for their families,' he said. 'Secondly we are confident that our health system is ready to handle (the situation).' Beginning July 1, bars, clubs and karaoke lounges can reopen, though they must adhere to a midnight closing time and have social distancing measures, said Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for COVDI-19 Situation Administration. Massage parlours and teahouses -- which sometimes act as fronts for brothels -- will also have to register customers using the government's tracking app. 'Staff must be tested for COVID-19 from time to time and there should be no sex trade,' said Taweesin.