All businesses in Thailand that have been suspended to stem the spread of Covid-19 will be allowed to resume, starting from July 1, the Bangkok Post reported.

This includes soapy massage parlours, karaoke shops, bars and clubs, although such venues must still observe safe distancing measures.

The announcement was made on June 24 by Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the spokesperson for Thailand's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration.

Customers entering a "soapy massage" parlour must check-in with the outlet

Elaborating on the measures, Taweesilp said soapy massage parlours offering bath-sauna-massage services can only reopen on the grounds that both customers and staff wear masks at all times and observe safe distancing, except during baths.

Customers are also required to have their temperature screened and must check-in and check-out with the outlet, either through an app known as Thaichana, or manually, via a book.

Staff will also be regularly tested for Covid-19 and other related diseases, while up to a month of footage from surveillance cameras will also be used for safety investigation.

Other types of massage parlours have been allowed to open earlier on June 1, albeit with safe distancing measures in place as well, under the Thai government's phased easing of its lockdown, The Nation Thailand further reported.

These measures include the mandatory wearing of masks for both customers and staff, separating massage chairs by at least 1.5 metres, temperature screening and the compulsory washing of hands for customers both before and after service, among other measures.

Visitors to entertainment venues to be capped at a maximum of five per group

Meanwhile, visitors to pubs, bars and karaoke venues will be capped at a limit of five per group. the Bangkok Post further highlighted.

They are also prohibited from joining other groups, while outlets are banned from conducting sales promotions.

Musicians and other entertainers had appealed to the government to be allowed to work again as their continued unemployment has put them in a desperate situation.

Top photo by Matthias Ang