Quiet Bangkok amid COVID-19 pandemic 


Central Bangkok Looks Eerily Empty Over The Weekend After ‘Soft’ Lockdown Takes Place

Images adapted from: Khaosodenglish and Thestandard

Thailand’s government has ordered to close businesses that attract large crowds, such as dine-in restaurants and malls, starting from 22nd March to 12th April 2020. 

This is an attempt to curb the COVID-19 virus from spreading further in the city via social distancing as the number of infected cases surge to 827 domestically. 

Central Bangkok Looks Eerily Empty Over The Weekend After ‘Soft’ Lockdown Takes Place

Siam BTS is considered as a major interchange in the  Bangkok Sky Train system
Image credit: The Standard

This decision has left the vibrant and lively city eerily quiet, even in bustling areas like Siam or Asoke – which are considered Bangkok’s CBDs.   


Supermarket and take-out restaurants still open


Central Bangkok Looks Eerily Empty Over The Weekend After ‘Soft’ Lockdown Takes Place

Inside Central World during the closedown order – only the supermarket and pharmacy remained open
Image credit: FM91 Trafficpro

Despite the closure of many venues, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said that food and necessary goods will still be open to the public – so there’s no need to panic-buy, everyone.

In this difficult time, it is crucial to help support your local vendors so their businesses can still survive. And if you don’t feel like leaving the house, delivery services like Grab Food or Foodpanda are your friends.


How to practice ‘social distancing’


Central Bangkok Looks Eerily Empty Over The Weekend After ‘Soft’ Lockdown Takes Place

Siam pavement has never been so quiet
Image credit: The Standard

Social distancing is the practice that keeps people from being too close to one another, making it harder for the virus to spread. This requires staying home, keeping a safe 1m distance between people, and avoiding crowded areas. 

It is important to note that you should leave your house if you absolutely need to, like shopping for groceries or seeing a doctor.   

Central Bangkok Looks Eerily Empty Over The Weekend After ‘Soft’ Lockdown Takes Place

Image credit: Unsplash

This method, though effective, is not easy to do. Humans are so used to socialising with one another and isolating yourself for a long period of time can be stressful for many. 

But worry not, thanks to technology nowadays, we can always Facetime our loved ones and stream thousands of films online – these activities help us not to lose grasp with the outside world.

By staying home, you’re already being a responsible person – have a great day at home, everyone.

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