Prayuth signals Thailand TV and nightlife may return to normal after Nov. 14

Thailand’s party scene may kick back into gear in a fortnight after a shutdown to mourn the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the junta suggested yesterday.

The death of 88-year-old Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct. 13 thrust a country renowned for its colorful nightlife into profound mourning.

Thais have donned black, soap operas have been pulled from television schedules, festivals canceled and the music even turned down at Bangkok’s seedier bars — with go-go dancers swapping the usual garish bikinis for somber black outfits.

But the junta leader signaled that nightlife may soon be allowed to creep back — along with cultural celebrations, concerts and the beloved soap operas — when a 30-day initial mourning period ends on Nov. 14.

“Television will return to normal,” Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters, albeit warning actors to dress demurely on screen and remain “polite” befitting the national mood.

In a nod to a relaxation on restrictions on nightlife he said: “Thailand is a country of tourism,” adding discussions were continuing over the loosening of controls on indoor and outdoor venues.

A government official said later nine types of events and venues would operate as normal, including nightclubs, pubs and bars.

 

Related:

Entertainment TV programming to resume in Thailand on Nov. 14



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