Bangkok happy ending massage parlours are to remain closed after a government u-turn on Covid-19 controls.

The popular attractions – normally used by millions of tourists a year – were closed following a third wave of infections in Thailand which started in the capital in April.

Dozens of pretty massage girls protested outside government offices on Monday (May 31) demanding officials let them give soapy rub downs. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) agreed and announced that massage parlours, clinics and parks would reopen, saying most cases are from work camps and construction sites.

However, furious chiefs at the country’s health board – known as the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) – put the brakes on the re-opening, leaving massage girls disappointed.

Officials claimed that soaring cases in the capital could spread if the businesses were re-opened. Anyone breaking the rules faces prison or large fines.

Thailand’s authorities have faced increasing public criticism for the slow vaccine rollout with clusters of cases forming in the city.

Thailand reported 3,440 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday and 38 deaths, bringing the total number of infections found in the country since the start of the pandemic to 165,462 with 1,107 deaths.