Bangkok-
The Thai Public Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, spoke to the press this morning after significant coverage in the media over the past several days regarding the estimated over 100,000 musicians still out of work due to the entertainment and nightlife industry still being closed.
He said he himself was once a musician when he was younger and that he “feels” for these people who have been without work for over three months. He stated that the CCSA and Department of Public Health are meeting this afternoon and will specifically discuss ” live music entertainment venues” and get updated advice from the doctors advising the CCSA.
Anutin said he would like to see the musicians especially be able to earn an income, but certain rules such as the crowds not being able to dance and mandatory mask wearing at live music venues would also likely be required.
It is not clear if the potential of “unlocking” musician related venues would lead to a larger opening of pubs, bars and entertainment venues in general or only bars that featured live music performances. Anutin did not clarify this question at the press conference earlier, but did confirm that the matter was being heard and they would see how they could potentially allow musicians to get back to work.