Thais Seek Sun And Surf As Officials Re-open Some Beaches
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published June 02, 2020 | 08:40 AM
Pattaya, Thailand, June 2 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jun, 2020 ) :People returned to some of Thailand's famed sandy beaches Monday, keeping well apart but enjoying the outdoors, as authorities eased some coronavirus restrictions for the first time in more than two months.
In Pattaya, visitors marvelled at the clarity of the turquoise-blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand, and pensioners eager for exercise promenaded along the beach.
Social distancing rules still applied, with local authorities ordering beachgoers to stay at least a metre (three feet) apart.
German expatriate Heidi Glemeau was one of the first to take an early-morning dip in the water, and couldn't believe how empty it was.
"I couldn't resist the temptation," she told AFP. "It's become a paradise -- just like it was 30 years ago." Not all beaches were closed during the lockdown, and not all re-opened Monday.
Phuket, in the south, is still off-limits, while Hua Hin remained open throughout.
Thailand has been under various lockdown restrictions since mid-March, when authorities declared a state of emergency against the coronavirus -- shuttering malls, leisure centres and public spaces, including its beaches.
But the number of new infections slowed in May, and on Monday cinemas as well as tattoo and massage parlours across the kingdom were given the green light to return to business.
"I think it's been long enough," said Nutthawut Kanasup, 29, who waited for a foot massage at a downtown Bangkok spa.
Student Prayos Plodchai, who had tickets for US blockbuster "Bloodshot", said he was not very confident about the hygiene standards at Central World mall's cinema.
"But I'm willing to take the risk because I've been stuck at home for so long," the 19-year-old said.
Official records show the kingdom escaped the worst of the disease relatively lightly, recording just over 3,000 infections and 57 deaths.
Some experts, however, say a lack of testing may mask the true toll.
Regardless, the exodus of foreigners and a ban on new arrivals hit the economy hard -- particularly as the country is so reliant on tourist Dollars in resorts such as Pattaya.
Tourism revenues dropped by 40 percent in the first three months of the year, and the government has warned the virus's impact on the second quarter will be more severe.
A major tourist destination with an infamous nightlife and red-light district, Pattaya has turned into a virtual ghost town.
Bars and clubs remain shuttered, and it is not clear when normal activity will resume.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
Law Minister expresses Govt's resolve to address issue of missing persons
Rizwan’s batting order may be changed: Sources
Nawaz Sharif to visit Guangzhou exhibition in China
FM Dar not traveling to China: Foreign Office
PM takes notice of deliberate delay in tax cases
Iranian President visits Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum
Iranian President arrives in Lahore today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 23 April 2024
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
11 hours ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
2 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
2 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
3 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
3 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
3 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
5 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
9 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
9 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
10 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
13 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
15 days ago