Footage shows Thai brothels deserted today amid tightening lockdown restrictions to try and tackle rising Covid-19 cases.

The adult outlets on the Sukhumvit Road in the capital Bangkok were busy with dozens of tourists a day before the pandemic struck in March but have now been forced to close.

Analysts at research company Havocscope estimated the Thai sex trade was worth around USD 6.4 billion a year – around three per cent of the country’s annual GDP.

However, tourists were effectively banned from visiting the country on March 22 last year and since then travel restrictions have remained in place.

A third outbreak of cases which started in April has lead to more than 20,000 infections a day, as of August 4. Ministers have closed bars, restaurants and introduced 9pm curfews as they try to vaccinate residents.

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 672,385 Covid-19 cases and 5,503 deaths. Around half of the estimated 10 million residents in Bangkok have been vaccinated.