The police appeared at one of the bars at the top end of the complex early on Friday evening, around 7:30, or for all I know, beforehand. All the bars closed, although I got the impression there was at least one upstairs "private party".
Patanawet (December 11th, 2021)
This is surprising, though I avoid the Complex friends told me many bars were openly selling alcohol.
Obviously the police are being somewhat selective as this video shows people drinking openly enjoying the Music Festival. https://youtu.be/5WavdGrJYmc
"In the land of the blind the one eyed man is king"
They were openly selling alcohol in the complex on Thursday. On Friday the police changed that.
I was surprised by the size of the police presence at the music festival in the afternoon, long before it opened up. Also the army were present.
Perhaps they have their fingers in that pie.
I'm not surprised by any of these tight controls we're witnessing at all, considering the level of fear and apprehension the government's faced with right now regarding the "Reopening"'.
They're facing huge risk and they known it, the same as all other countries who are trying to jump-start their economies and make people happy again.
So far I don't disagree with any of the actions we're seeing. The onus is on the bars and restaurants to make sure they are SHA Certified, have the appropriate license(s), and are following covid-safe protocol. So far I haven't heard of anyone getting hassled or busted who was following these requirements.
This morning I was walking up Soi Bukhao and noticed a number of bars and restaurants with prominently displayed SHA+ certification.
I guess some of the Jomtien businesses might need to chase after this. I don't know what the cost is, but it would be very unfair to burden small businesses with fees at a time when they are already struggling. Also, it wasn't immediately obvious what a SHA+ business has to do differently. The table spacing seemed normal.
I later wandered into the food court at Terminal 21. This had none of the daft social distancing measures that were in place early in the year. I guess big businesses, with the right connections can do what they like