The devastating impacts of COVID-19 have left many local businesses struggling to adapt to the harsh economic conditions faced by the lack of consumers willing to leave their homes at risk of contracting the virus. Although many local businesses in the capital, Bangkok, have somehow managed to adapt to home delivery services and electronic marketing, the majority of Thailand's local businesses rely heavily on tourism.
As expats living in Thailand, we are fortunate enough to have the ability to travel locally even despite travel restrictions. However, the impacts of COVID are truly evident and create a more melancholic atmosphere than before, when individuals are greeted with closed stores and restaurants.
The lively and bustling streets, once filled with music and packed with international tourists from all over the world are no longer visible. Although this atmosphere change must be challenging for local business owners to cope with, this atmosphere is somewhat enjoyable for individuals who are seeking a more relaxing and peaceful environment, away from the chaos of the city.
The lack of tourists also brought forth numerous benefits for the environment, dramatic improvements in air quality can be seen, as well as reduced litter on beaches. The true tranquility of Thai beaches can now be enjoyed, void of plastic floating around in the ocean. Although an un-ideal situation and circumstances for the Thai economy, as expats, we should make an effort to support local business by travelling to local beach destinations whenever possible. Over the summer and winter break, many expats visited Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket, destinations which were once much more expensive to visit during such peak vacation seasons.
Credits:
Created with images by kordi_vahle - "sunset north sea sea" • LeesDesign - "sunset beach horizon" • JillWellington - "sunset beach silhouettes" • kordi_vahle - "sun setting sky" • JillWellington - "woman girl freedom"