Thai market dismantled as Covid-19 hits economy

Heartbroken traders watched as a market was dismantled following the devastating economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in Thailand.

The Klongsan Plaza Market was a popular destination for tourists to buy street food and souvenirs in Bangkok.

However, with visitor numbers decimated by travel restrictions and locals struggling, the owners of the market chose not to renew the lease.

Workmen dismantled the once-bustling stalls with landowners the State Railway of Thailand now looking for a new tenant.

Ministers hope to fully re-open the country to vaccinated travellers without quarantine in the coming months but economists have warned that it could still 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.