Footage shows how dozens of Japanese soapy massage parlours have closed down due to the Covid-19 pandemic in Thailand.

The seedy outlets were once packed with businessmen and tourists visiting Bangkok from the Far East. But since the spread of the coronavirus last March they have struggled to re-open.

A slew of new restrictions imposed in April this year due to a third wave of infections and a curfew imposed last week means there is now little hope of the adult venues re-opening.

Many of the businesses were today (July 20) covered in for-sale signs and rental boards after the business owners left.

It comes as domestic flights and bus services have been banned to prevent the mass movement of people between regions but giving them enough time for an exodus.

Dr Opart Karnkawinpong, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), said more intense measures may be imposed in Thailand the next two months.

He added: 'If the new infection rate is still high in the next two months, there is a possibility that we might have to impose a lockdown, like in Wuhan, China, to control the spread of the virus, where people have to stay at home and are not allowed to travel, to a point where food and water will be delivered to homes.'

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.