They survived the pandemic — they’ll survive the low season too. Many tourists believe Pattaya’s bar girls have endured worse and will adapt once again. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – While many visitors voice concern about the hardships faced by bar girls during slow seasons, a significant portion of tourists see the situation with a more pragmatic eye. Having witnessed these workers endure the pandemic’s challenges and survive the toughest times, some tourists believe the bar scene will weather the current low season as well. There’s a sense that, no matter how difficult things get, the nightlife community has a resilience built from years of hardship. For some, the question isn’t about sympathy but economics. They argue that if bar fines and prices were lowered, the industry would attract more customers — simple supply and demand, though many feel this common-sense approach is often ignored. Others take a more indifferent stance, pointing out that most tourists come for the experience itself, not because they feel responsible for the livelihoods of bar girls. Many see the work these women do as no different from any other form of labor, whether in factories or fields, highlighting the pressures these workers face to maintain appearances and income for families, even in difficult circumstances. Behind the glamor often projected, there’s a harsher reality. Large gogo establishments may offer high salaries on paper, but the day-to-day conditions can be taxing. Bar girls can be penalized for being even a minute late, failing to meet drink quotas, or for multiple bar fines throughout their contracts — many of which never translate to actual time spent with customers. Commissions on drinks are small, and penalties can sometimes exceed earnings, especially when cheap alcohol is deducted at inflated rates from their pay. Health care benefits and social security are often absent, while the nature of the job — heavy drinking and late nights — takes a toll on their wellbeing. Tourists may debate the role bar girls play in Pattaya’s tourism ecosystem, but there’s little doubt about their enduring presence. The reality is complex, shaped by economic necessity, cultural expectations, and an industry that remains a magnet for both visitors and workers alike. Despite all the challenges, both sides—tourists and bar workers—continue to navigate this world together, hoping for a better, fairer future.