For several years, Pia Alm-Borgström has traveled to Thailand for three months over the winter to train and rehabilitate herself from her connective tissue disease. When the corona pandemic struck with full force in the world, she decided to stay at the little holiday resort located at Khao Lak where she was.

- It was a long process. But I managed to extend my visa, my insurance and made sure I could stay in the home I rented. At the same time, I follow the Foreign Ministry's messages closely, she says.

Thailand has imposed severe restrictions in the fight against corona. Restaurants have been closed, face mask requirements have been introduced and a curfew after 10 pm applies every day.

"Everyone without a job"

- The area I find myself in has been completely emptied of tourists, everyone here is also completely without a job, says Pia Alm-Borgström.

She is in a small service area for people working in the seven major resorts nearby. But all business has stopped in the footsteps of the pandemic.

- You can't get anywhere. There are road controls between each district, she says.

For Pia Alm-Borgström, this meant that she had miles of beaches all to herself.

- It was a bit spooky in the beginning. But I spend the days practicing on the beach. The curfew is no problem. I'm rarely up so late, she says.

Sells chili paste

Thais in the area have been hit hard by the crisis, as are the guest workers from neighboring countries. But several locals have found creative solutions to make it through the crisis.

- I got to know several people here on site. The family who lives in the home under mine have started making chili paste after an old recipe they had and sell it, she says.

Several of the Thai people on the spot have also started fishing.

"Safer than in Sweden"

Pia Alm-Borgsrtöm has taken the situation in Thailand calmly.

- I see myself as a risk group and still feel safer here than I might have done in Sweden, she says.