Zero is the new normal as traditions change in Phuket Old Town

The Phuket News

 

Thalang Rd in Phuket Old Town. Photo: PR Phuket

 

PHUKET: Shops in the Phuket Old Town area are suffering with very few customers despite many of the shopowners now being allowed to reopen their businesses.

 

“It is so empty now,” one shop owner lamented. “There are no tourists due to the COVID-19 situation and local people are staying home as much as possible to help prevent the spread of the disease, and local many local shopowners have keep their doors closed since they were ordered to close,” he said.

 

Although the lockdown has been mostly lifted and people have flocked to shopping malls, shops in the Phuket Old Town area have been forgotten.

 

Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/zero-is-the-new-normal-as-traditions-change-in-phuket-old-town-76122.php

 

-- © Copyright Phuket News 2020-05-21

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

There are shops and businesses all over the Island that are closed and going broke. This is just one tourist precinct without customers. Until tourism starts again, it is the norm. It can't reasonably expect to attract local residents who are flocking to the big shopping centers, it's not the same thing.

 

I believe things will never return to the halcyon days of the past. Phuket, like the world, will be a different place, the old, easy days are gone.

The Old Town has more going for it than just selling goods and services. It will probably recover better than most in the long run.

 

 

 

Does this mean that tourists will be treated better when they return? 

5 hours ago, Somtamnication said:

Does this mean that tourists will be treated better when they return? 

Nah..

6 hours ago, Somtamnication said:

Does this mean that tourists will be treated better when they return? 

 

Maybe more welcome, happy to see them. But charged more to make up for lost income.

8 hours ago, Somtamnication said:

Does this mean that tourists will be treated better when they return? 

Unlikely, but what does the TAT say? ????

3 hours ago, LivinginKata said:

 

Maybe more welcome, happy to see them. But charged more to make up for lost income.

I guess it depends if the surly bitter taxi and tuk tuk drivers have moved on.  If they are still here, their attitudes won't have changed.  Shop owners on the other hand, might be nicer.