Police raided Thai ‘sin city’ go-go bars to check that Covid-19 rules were being followed.

Officers sprung unannounced on the entertainment venues in the popular destination Pattaya City on February 16.

Bar staff and customers were checked for face masks and following a ‘no touching’ social distancing policy inside the establishment.

Venues were also inspected to ensure their guests were checking into a contact tracing app called Thaichana before being let inside.

Alcohol spray bottles, non-contact automatic, digital temperature checkers, and clean toilets were also required from entertainment venues.

So far, all businesses in the area had passed the assessment and dancers were allowed to continue.

However, District Deputy Security Officer Pornchai Sangead said that they will continuously conduct surprise inspections to make sure that everyone follows the guidelines.

He said: ‘I want to warn the entertainment venue owners to be strict and follow all of the security measures. Social distancing is very important and they should adhere to the correct closing times.’

Meanwhile, Sompol Jittireungkiert, District Public Health head officer said workers who are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms can get tested for free.

She said: ‘We are monitoring all of the bars. We ask for the cooperation of the staff to be alert. They can get a Covid-19 test for free and faster medical assistance at the Banglamoong Hospital.’

Thailand’s Krungsri Bank forecasts that it will be up to three years before tourism returns to its pre-pandemic levels. The country has recorded a relatively low 24,961 Covid-19 infections and 82 deaths as of February 18 but the impact on the tourism-dependent economy has been devastating.