How do the bar economics work for the guys working the bars?

In Jomtien right now, there seem to be so many guys working at the bars competing for limited customers, and even then it seems like it is for drinks with the customer. How do the guys working there make a decent living or do they? Unlike Bangkok, the drinks are so cheap, I don't think they can earn a significant commission on the drinks. Do the bars pay them a fee for just showing up and being there? Other income?

It depends on their work status with the bar:

• staff

• free-lance

Generally the staff will get a monthly salary - perhaps 6k baht per month - and they need to show up for work during the operating hours of the bar or their salary can be reduced for no show. Their base salary is supplemented with tips (given to them when the bar bill is paid**) and they get a commission on each drink - perhaps 50 baht each. So, if they are lucky and get a lot of generous customers they can earn 12k to 15k in a given month.

**Note that when the bill is paid - check-bin --> that if you want the guy to get the tip from you to him then you need to put it outside of the check-bin because whatever you put inside the check-bin is usually shared at the end of the night with everyone on staff.

For the free-lance staff - all of the above applies - but they do not get a salary from the bar. So their income is based on drinks sold, tips, and off-fees if they can manage to convince you to take them outside the bar for some fun.

Staff can sometimes also be offed - but outside the working hours of the bar.

Thanks @bkkmfj2648 . Does the same hold true for Bangkok bars? Goodboys, for example, seems to have 40+ guys on staff so a salary of 6k baht each would add up to a lot of costs for the bar before making a profit.