Just last week, the situation looked promising as Thailand had no new Covid-19 case resulting from local transmissions for over 50 days. Vacationers were planning trips for the upcoming long holiday weekend and hotels along with tourist destinations were offering special deals.
However, circumstances changed and a nightmare unfolded after 31 Egyptian officials broke self-quarantine rules during a stopover in Rayong. It was later discovered that one the officials, a military official, tested positive for Covid-19. Social media instantly became agitated and began criticising the government which had once again brought the risk of infection to its citizens.
Now, Rayong residents are working hard to contain a potential outbreak so that the city won't have to return to lockdown and allow tourism to recover again.
Rayong is my hometown and it is also where my relatives live. After the news broke, I called them to ask about the situation. Fortunately, they hadn't visited the two shopping malls on the same day as the Egyptian officials.
My 67-year-old uncle and 68-year-old aunt were isolating at home before this incident because they felt uncomfortable spending time outside. They said it was hard to breathe because they had to wear face masks all the time, so they avoided meeting others or eating outside.
However, the army marches on its stomach, so some businesses had to carry on. I spoke to my cousin, who travels from the small town of Ban Chang to work in downtown Rayong. Like others, he questioned why the government gave the Egyptians VIP privilege. He was also anxious about whether he would still have a job if the province returns to lockdown.
Thais have been observing strict health control measures to contain Covid-19 spread but we finally fell victim to those without discipline. More than 1,000 local residents have been asked to self-quarantine at home for 14 days. Who will take responsibility for their lost opportunities to earn income?
The news has had a domino effect. All 127 schools in the province closed again to stop the potential spread of the virus after they had just started a new semester earlier this month. As students return to online platforms, some might not be able to afford smartphones or the internet for distance-based learning.
Fears over a second wave have also taken a toll on tourism. Scores have cancelled their bookings on Koh Samet for the long holiday at the end of the month, according to Sarinthip Thapmongkolsap, chairwoman of the Samet Tourism Association. It's a one-two punch for local entrepreneurs who had just resumed their businesses over two weeks ago.
I spoke with my friend who operates a shabu shop close to the Koh Samet Ferry in Ban Phe district. He said that at the moment people were afraid of starving to death. Since Rayong is a holiday destination, the main source of revenue is tourism. Vacationers had just started coming back after disappearing for six months.
However, after news of the Egyptian military official broke, beaches have become empty again. My friend's shop is now welcoming only two customers to dine in each day. The atmosphere is the quietest it has ever been since he set up his business three years ago. Local landlords may survive at this time but those who rent properties to run their business will likely face a challenging time again.
Fortunately for my friend, fresh vegetables and meat can be stored in the refrigerator, so no need to worry about ingredients. Yet, it's a different story for those who sell ready-to-eat food, which can't be stored overnight.
The only good thing that my friend and I have been able to learn from this situation is that scanning QR codes is useful. It allows the authorities to trace our history and contact us through the Thai Chana platform. My friend said some customers only wrote their nicknames on paper and were not willing to give their phone numbers and that most restaurateurs didn't want to force them.
Rayong has two weeks to contain the spread of Covid-19 before it returns to normal again. The province is still pinning its hope on the Rao Tiew Duay Kan campaign, which was launched on Wednesday by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to spur domestic tourism.
Offering 40% cashback or up to 3,000 baht for booking a room, Thai tourists are now willing to pay more for luxury five-star accommodations to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and safety. However, three and four-star hotels must work at upgrading their facilities and take proper preventive measures to boost guest confidence.
Pattarawadee Saengmanee is a feature writer for the Life section of the Bangkok Post.