Bangkok’s red light district was plunged into darkness at the weekend as the Thai capital, known for its raucous parties, turned down the music and banned dancing to mourn the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Soi Cowboy, a notorious alleyway normally bright with gaudy neon lights, which has stayed open for business during a series of coups, was pitch black on Saturday night as go-go bars closed their shutters in a sign of respect.

Staff sat forlornly on empty bar chairs, some watching a football game. But the few straggling tourists were unperturbed by the closure. “This is incredible, I’ve never seen this before. But we understand,” said Fabrice, an air steward from Paris.

Thanapan Sriphan, the manager of the only open restaurant, Spritz, said business was down by two thirds. “We’re not upset about the business though, because it’s about the king,” she said.

In the tourist district on Khaosan road, normally buzzing with revelers dancing to loud music until the small hours, holidaymakers could still enjoy a quiet alcoholic drink in discreet paper cups, but only until midnight on police orders. Night clubs were closed and music was banned.