Since the new Omicron strain was designated a variant of concern by the World Health Organization on Nov 26, many countries have stopped loosening Covid-19 curbs.

Thailand registered a small number of confirmed Omicron cases, but lower daily infection totals -- less than 5,000 cases per day.

However, the new variant has crushed hopes of restarting economic activities, while the government's response to calls for support from those hit economically by the virus remains half-hearted.

Last month, tour operators prepared outbound package tours for early 2022, but the Omicron variant suddenly hit tourism confidence.

However, after learning that Omicron may not be more dangerous than other variants, especially for those vaccinated, confidence in outbound travel gradually returned.

The chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce said if the spread of Omicron can be controlled, economic activities are expected to recover.

He said with a continued mass vaccination scheme, an Omicron outbreak should produce less damage than occurred with the Delta variant.

Mall operator Siam Piwat said the company is unfazed by the new variant. Customer traffic at its four malls -- Siam Center, Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon and Iconsiam -- has recovered since the country's reopening on Nov 1.

"Even if there are new outbreaks, this will not be new. With the lessons learned the past two years, we are confident we can manage our business," the group's chief executive said.