AYUTTHAYA: Temples and historical sites in this former capital city have reopened to the public after restrictions to contain the spread of Covid-19 were eased.
Governor Panu Yaemsri said most temples and historical sites opened on Saturday and Sunday. People had already begun visiting these places again to pay respect to Buddha images. Most were from other provinces, particularly Bangkok, he said.
Most-visited were Wat Phananchoeng and Wat Yai Chaimongkol in Muang district.
The governor said 99% of the visitors wore face masks, in line with the province's health guidelines. They were required to register, have their temperature taken, wash their hands with sanitising gel and obey social distancing rules.
Mr Panu said the gradual return of tourists would be welcomed by the business community, especially the floating market, food shops and souvenir outlets.
The governor said Ayutthaya was now safe from the coronavirus. The province had recorded only eight infections - seven recovered and one died. More notably, there had been no new infections for 34 consecutive days.