(15 Jun 2020) As Thailand further eased its restrictions against the spread of COVID-19, its battered restaurant sector had two reasons to celebrate.
The country's many eateries, which reopened at the start of May after more than a month of closure, are now allowed to serve alcoholic drinks and there is no longer a curfew constraining late-night dining.
But there are fears the damage from the shutdown may already have been done, and that many establishments will go under.
It may be beer, but for Thailand's hard-pressed restaurants it's a champagne moment. Many people consider an alcoholic drink essential to the dining experience: without it, they'd just as soon eat at home.
So the owner of one Bangkok restaurant spoke for many when he welcomed the resumption of sales.
"Oh yeah it is a big moment because we've been losing money for quite a long time now, so hopefully we can get back to at least breaking even and maybe even making a little bit of money now," said Dana Caron, of the "Roadhouse Barbecue".
But as well as relief there's deep concern.
At "Eat Me" restaurant, in Bangkok's central business district, on Monday, they were preparing for a Wednesday re-opening. It's been shut for more than two months, first because of the lockdown, then because the no alcohol rule made re-opening uneconomical.
Its cashflow has been devastated. There are still suppliers' bills to be paid. There are still no incoming international flights, so it has to rely on its local customers, but after lockdown and lay-offs can they afford to dine out?
Co-owner Tim Butler, a 42-year-old American chef from the US state of Maine, said re-opening was like "a huge step into the darkness" akin to opening for the very first time, with all the uncertainties.
"Our fear, for the long-time guys in this industry, is not getting the restaurants reopened – that's the easy part – it's keeping the restaurants opened. I think in the next 60 to 90 to 120 days we're going to see a lot of restaurants failing," he says.
Bangkok-based food writer Megan Leon believes Thailand's world-renowned dining scene is heading for a huge shake-up.
"I would say 20-30% right now might not survive. I would say more in the fine dining area, unfortunately," she says.
The head of the Thai Restaurant Business Association agrees that many establishments will go under. Ladda Sampawthong thinks up to 15% will close, mainly large and medium restaurants and those that are recent start-ups.
"The next 12 to 18 months will be a very tough time for us," she told the AP by phone on Monday.
Tim Butler says some positives have come out of the shutdown. He's been able to consider his business model and plan on how to improve.
"I think the future holds good things for all of us. It's just a matter of can we survive to the point where the world returns to normalcy," he said.
Thailand's cuisine has rapidly risen in reputation in the past few decades and is famous for its often fiery street food.
It also increasingly has a vibrant fine dining scene, with 29 Michelin-starred restaurants.
The sector is also a major employer.
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