Thailand’s Chatuchak Market Reopens With Shorter Hours & Safe Distancing Measures To Protect Shoppers
While Singapore still has 3 weeks of ‘Circuit Breaker’ to tahan, many countries are already lifting their lockdown measures.
Not only is Shanghai reopening their Disneyland’s doors, it seems like Thailand is also seeing gradual recovery from the pandemic as they invite locals back to Chatuchak Market this weekend.
Despite the change, the limited number of visitors still need to adhere to safe distancing rules in place — just in case.
Certainly, the reopening of Singaporeans’ favourite Thai market gives us something to look forward to when authorities lift travel bans.
Chatuchak Market reopens this weekend
The popular Bangkok weekend market will welcome shoppers this Saturday (9 May) from 5am-6pm, with a set of precautions.
Though Thailand is seeing significantly low Covid-19 numbers these days, they are not letting their guard down.
Therefore, souvenir and garment stores can only have 5 to 10 customers browsing at any one time, while diners are to sit 1.5 metres apart.
Authorities are also encouraging locals to take away their delicious Thai milk tea and mango sticky rice, instead of having it in the crowded market.
These adequate safe distancing measures will protect shoppers while they enjoy their weekend market experience.
Chatuchak night market remains closed
Authorities are adamant about keeping the night market closed for now due to night curfew issues, according to Thai news site Pattaya Mail.
However, it is comforting to see Thailand slowly resuming normal activity, such that store owners can once again operate even with limited hours.
Though we would very much like to be enjoying an ice cold coconut ice cream under the sweltering heat in Chatuchak now, most Singaporeans will still be staying home for now.
Despite our sad ‘Circuit Breaker’ reality, this news reminds us that a sense of normalcy will be restored soon enough.
Hang in there
If you are already brooding over your maxed out #StayHome activities, hopefully, this news motivates you to hang in there.
While we cannot travel to Chatuchak just yet, the prospect of enjoying privileges like the Thais do should motivate us to persevere.
Hence, be responsible during this ‘Circuit Breaker’ and always wear a mask and practice safe distancing.
Featured image adapted from Facebook & Instagram.
