Thailand's Chatuchak market re-opens as country eases coronavirus restrictions

Thailand's Chatuchak market re-opens as country eases coronavirus restrictions

Thailand's most well-known markets has re-opened as the country eases its coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market - one of the biggest and once the busiest in the world - was forced to close when the country enforced stringent Covid-19 measures.

However, with zero local transmission of the infections in Thailand for more than two weeks, health chiefs took the country into the fourth phase of easing restrictions.

Curfews have ended, markets can open and restaurants can serve alcohol.

But with a blanket ban on tourist arrivals in Thailand, the market - one of the most popular attractions for Chinese holidaymakers arriving from China - is still far quieter than it was at its busiest period.

There are also tough measures for visitors to follow.

They must wear face masks, scan tracing apps on their smartphones, wash and sanitise their hands and follow social distancing rules.

'' The market's still pretty quiet and most stall holders haven't bothered to return yet.

But it's interesting to walk around the place without the usual hordes of tourists,'' said one local who visited on Sunday (June 14).