Thailand’s ‘Sin City’ Pattaya is now a ghost town as a 9 pm curfew was rolled out to try and control rising Covid-19 cases.

Bars, restaurants, shopping malls, and even gas stations now close earlier from their usual 24-hour operation to follow stricter measures by officials in Chonburi province, eastern Thailand.

Fewer cars could be seen driving along the city’s Sukhumvit Road while beaches were deserted due to the measures being imposed.

Officials from the Communicable Disease Committee said the 9 pm until 4 am curfew would be implemented until July 25 with exceptions for vehicles with permits. It came following surging numbers of coronavirus cases around the country, which has lead to a curfew in the capital Bangkok and restrictions on travelling out of the city to different provinces.

Economists have warned that it could be another five years before the country’s tourism industry returns to pre-pandemic levels.

Two years ago tourism made up an estimated 21 per cent of Thailand’s GDP, generating 1.8 trillion baht in revenue. However, the country’s National Economic and Social Development Council predicted that it could be another five years before similar numbers are seen.

Analysts said that between now and 2026, around seven million workers will continue to be affected by the economic harm from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thailand has recorded 372,215 Covid-19 cases and 3,032 deaths as of July 15. Ministers hope a vaccine rollout that started last month will allow them to re-open the country to international tourists before the end of the year.