People flocked to Bang Saen beach in Chonburi yesterday looking to take full advantage of the easing of lockdown restrictions on the first public holiday since beaches have opened again.
Traffic began to build up early on Wednesday morning as flocks of people arrived at Bangkok’s closest beach to enjoy the public holiday for Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday.
As afternoon hit, the traffic stretched for at least two kilometers along roads leading to the beach, prompting the Saen Suk Municipal Mayor, Narongchai Kunplome, to close the roads temporarily.
The beach was too packed according to the Mayor who began regulating visitor numbers in an attempt to maintain social distancing practises.
Going forward, Bang Saen beach will keep seven areas free of beach chairs with those who use the sun loungers required to wear face masks and keep plenty of space between each chair. Customers will also need to undergo a temperature check before they rent a beach chair.
Reports indicate at least 5,000 people were on the beach on Wednesday, sparking fears that covid-19 could easily spread among the crowds.
Local lifeguards said they became overwhelmed while trying to enforce the “new normal” rules as so many people had showed up and resources became stretched.
However, the scenes at Bang Saen were not repeated everywhere as beaches in Hua Hin enjoyed a rather quieter public holiday.
Source: Bangkok Post
