Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/bzt10hk31pe6x54/VRP52519.mp4?dl=0
Footage shows an eerily dark and deserted airport today in Bangkok, Thailand, as the country grounds flights to sty and stop Covid-19 cases.
The Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) would normally see more than 100,000 passengers a day but has been temporarily closed following travel restrictions that were introduced last month.
Ministers hope that banning travel between regions and businesses will slow the spread of Covid-19 infections – giving them enough time to roll out vaccines to most of the population.
Officials say that by the end of August, more than 70 per cent of people living in Bangkok will have received at least one dose of a vaccine. They hope to re-open the country to holidaymakers in October.
However, economists have warned that it could be another five years before the country’s tourism industry returns to pre-pandemic levels.
Two years ago tourism made up an estimated 21 per cent of Thailand’s GDP, generating 1.8 trillion baht in revenue. However, the country’s National Economic and Social Development Council predicted that it could be another five years before similar numbers are seen.
Analysts said that between now and 2026, around seven million workers will continue to be affected by the economic harm from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thailand has recorded 795,951 Covid-19 cases and 6,588 deaths as of August 10 – with cases rising dramatically since April. Ministers have banned gatherings of more than five people and rolled out a 9pm curfew in the worst-hit regions.