In Pictures

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In Pictures: Bangkok nightlife after curfew

Though the army has imposed a curfew since taking control, a party atmosphere prevails along Bangkok’s Khaosan Road.

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DJs play music late into the night on Khaosan Road.
By Vincenzo Floramo
Published On 8 Jun 2014

Bangkok, Thailand – Despite the midnight curfew imposed by Thailand’s new military junta, which took over the country’s government on May 22, tourists along Bangkok’s Khaosan Road continue to party well after the permitted hours.

Some of the main restaurants in the area close at around 15 minutes before midnight, but stalls and bars on the main road can stay open as late as sunrise.

The president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, Piyaman Tejapaibul, has petitioned the junta to lift the curfew in Phuket and other tourist hotspots throughout the country.

Thailand’s tourist industry has been in decline due to street protests that have rocked the country since last November.

Local masseurs offer traditional Thai massages after the official curfew.
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Police drive along the party streets to show their presence. They do not enforce the army-imposed curfew.
McDonald(***)s remains open long after the curfew. After anti-coup protests were held at a McDonald(***)s in downtown Bangkok, the multinational company reiterated on its Facebook that it continues to maintain neutrality in Thailand(***)s political crisis.
The number of tourist arrivals during the first quarter this year dropped 5.85 percent compared with last year. The second quarter - ending on June 30 - saw an 8.75 percent decline from last year.
In an essay on the "backpacker culture" of Khaosan Road, Susan Orlean called the area "the place to disappear".
Transport is officially banned during curfew hours, but taxi and motorcycles charge double price after midnight. 
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Khaosan Road has a reputation as a dancing and party centre for both tourists and young Thais.
Young Thais try to earn money by improvising street shows.
Two foreigners inhale laughing gas sold by street vendors.