The time has come: people are getting out of their houses because places are starting to reopen. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? It depends on how you look at it. It's great that the butt indent on our couches is getting a relief, but then again, people overcrowding places like Ikea is the downside. They probably all rushed there to replace their sofas. Nevertheless, a number of places have reopened, which means you have stuff to do and places to see other than going to the supermarket for groceries. If you've been dying to get out of the house, these places offer a respite.
Cultural
Bangkok is home to a number of cultural spots that are usually crowded with tourists, so if you're a resident, you probably stay away from these places. This may be the best time to visit them since tourists are on the low these days. Here are some of the places that have reopened.
(Photo: freepik.com)
- The historical city of Ayutthaya has already welcomed its fair share of visitors since it reopened a few weeks ago. The governor of Ayutthaya welcomed the return of tourists to support local businesses. He also added that the city is Covid-free with no reported new cases for more than a month.
(Photo courtesy of Museum Siam)
- During the lockdown, Museum Siam creatively kept going by having a number of online exhibitions. They have since reopened and you can see the exhibitions in person instead of just on a screen. Symbols on the floor help visitors maintain a safe distance and they can buy tickets at an automated machine cashlessly. Open Tues-Sun, 10am-6pm. Visit MuseumSiam.org.
- Originally slated to open on June 4, the reopening of the Grand Palace has been postponed, at the time of writing, to Sunday, June 7, according to the PR department of the Royal Household Bureau. No specific details have been mentioned though the website of the Tourism Authority of Thailand says the reopening will be "under strict health and safety measures".
(Photo: Arnun Chonmahatrakool)
- If you didn't know, the Big Mango has a library, Bangkok City Library. If you haven't visited it, it should definitely be one of the places you go to if you're planning a "re-culturisation" in this post-lockdown period. You do have to take note though that they're limiting the number of people inside the library. They've divided each day into two rounds, the first round from 9am-12pm and the second from 1-4pm. Only 70 people are allowed inside per round. As for the time in between, the staff takes that opportunity to clean the area. Bangkok City Library is open from Tues-Sun. Visit BangkokCityLibrary.com.
RECREATIONAL
I spent the lockdown playing endless rounds of Call Of Duty: Warzone, finishing Final Fantasy VII: Remake and rewatching one or two TV shows that were a good six to eight seasons each. OK, maybe it was more like five TV shows, but one can only rely on a screen for entertainment for so long. Thankfully, with the easing of restrictions, there are now places outside our homes we can go to for some fun or for some relaxation. Time to get your butt off the couch and those eyes off the screen.
(Photo: Weerawong Wongpreedee)
- If you have longed for big, open spaces then scratch that itch at Bounce. They reopened on Monday and are limiting the number of people to 90 per hour. With lots of space, they're confident that social distancing protocols can be enforced and everyone will still be able to enjoy all the activities they offer. Visit BounceInc.co.th.
(Photos courtesy of Thai Wake Park)
- Thai Wake Park's three locations in Lam Lukka, Rangsit and Pattaya are open so go ahead with your long-awaited wakeboarding fix. While there aren't any special or unique measures being implemented in their Rangsit and Pattaya locations other than the usual temperature check and the compulsory mask, their bigger Lam Lukka location requires wristbands for entry and spectators are assigned to an area away from the wakeboarders. Visit ThaiWakePark.com.
(Photo courtesy of Let’s Relax Spa)
- If you're in the mood for something a little more relaxing, head over to Let's Relax Spa. They have implemented a number of measures to ensure that customers are confident it's safe to avail of their services. Their rooms are regularly sanitised by UV and cleaning staff. They've touted the training their staff has received to prevent Covid from washing hands to the proper wearing and disposing of masks. Masseurs also wear gloves when giving massages. Visit LetsRelaxSpa.com.
(Photos courtesy of Thai Wake Park)
- Pattaya reopened this Monday -- the beaches, that is. Why else would you go to Pattaya other than the beaches, right? Koh Larn has also reopened. However, it should be noted that the beaches will be closed on Thursday and Friday every second or third week of the month for clean-up. It's reported that the beaches are in great condition since it's been left untouched for weeks, which means that this is the best time to go there. Then again, everyone is probably thinking the same thing meaning crowds will descend on the beach soon enough.
CINEMAS
Cinemas have reopened. However, your cinema-going experience will probably be never the same. On top of that, most new movies have been postponed to unknown dates. Should you wait for them to be released before going to the cinema again? That's up to you, but at least now we actually have the option of going to the movies!
(Photo courtesy of Major Cineplex)
(Photos: Pornprom Satrabhaya)
- Major Cineplex has reopened a good number of their branches. Moviegoers are limited in each cinema and there's a two-seat distance for every two seats in the aisle despite the reported "three empty seats" policy from director-general of the Health Department Panpimol Wipulakorn. Every other row will be left vacant, as well. When buying tickets, they give you finger gloves so that you can touch the screen with no worries. Food and drinks are fortunately allowed inside so you don't have to sit and not know what to do with your hands. Visit MajorCineplex.com.
(Photos courtesy of SF Cinema)
- Aside from regularly cleaning each cinema and distancing seats, SF Cinema is also putting partitions between seats to further protect moviegoers from any risk of infection. Every other row is left vacant and every two seats are distanced two seats apart, as well. Visit SFCinemaCity.com.
(Photos courtesy of BKKSR)
- Bangkok Screening Room will open on June 9. While they will limit the number of people at each screening, they will also increase the number of screenings though there will be a minimum 30-minute gap between each session. Masks are to be worn at all times. BKKSR is asking for the co-operation and support of its patrons. In an FB post, they said that another closure will probably mean they will have to close down for good. If you're a fan of movies or BKKSR itself, make sure to support them in these trying times! Visit BKKSR.com.
