Backpacker paradise Khao San returns

Street vendors on Khao San Road say life is returning to normal as they see more and more fully vaccinated foreign tourists returning to the area, according to the Bangkok Post.

"I have more customers. I'm happy to earn more money from selling food. I like this business atmosphere. The neighborhood has been bustling again in the past two months," said Wan Suripar, 51, a street vendor.

Khao San Road street vendors hope more foreign tourists will return to visit

Street vendors like Wan have been hit hard during the pandemic. Khao San Road is a clear example of the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the capital Bangkok.

The Thai government's restrictions on foreign entry have brought many businesses and social activities to a halt. However, things are slowly picking up in Khao San.

Restaurants, street food carts, clothing stores, and traditional massage parlors have reopened to welcome visitors, adhering to anti-epidemic rules: wearing masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing.

However, nightlife venues across the country must remain closed until at least mid-January 2022, according to the Thailand Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration.

Khao San used to be a popular destination for foreign tourists when coming to Bangkok.

Paryarnar Wonsi (43 years old, street vendor) said he has been doing business on this street since 2008 and has never been in such a difficult situation as during the 2 years of the pandemic outbreak.

"Most of the shops and all the pubs and bars were forced to close due to Covid-19. There were no foreign tourists, just a few Thais on the streets. But after reopening, I saw signs of economic recovery because many people, especially foreigners, came back here."

Simon Cornwall, in his 30s, said he liked Khao San because of the variety of shops, street food carts, bars and pubs.

"I've been to Khao San almost every year since 2017 and love the crazy atmosphere here. I hope it gets crowded again like before," said a tourist from Indonesia.

Ling Ling Xay, an English teacher in Beijing, first visited Khao San in 2013. She has returned to the street many times "just to party."

"I'm 50 years old, but on this street, anyone can party. A street like Khao San is not dead."

Danial Tanvir (28 years old, Pakistani) has been to Thailand 5 times.

"Every time I come here I party all night. I love the nightlife and the party scene here but I don't know if it will ever be the same again. It used to be a great destination but it's different now."

According to Zing