Newsletter: A New Attempt under the New Normal of the Epidemic——Tuk Tuk Concert Held in Thailand
Xinhua News Agency, Bangkok, August 9 - Newsletter: new epidemic attempt at the new normal - Thailand held "tuk-tuk" concert
Xinhua News Agency reporter Chen Jiabao
On the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, the fiery sunset and the colorful lights projected on the stage dazzled the 200 "tuk tuk" neatly arranged on the open space of the local riverside night market. The singing of popular singers and the cheers of fans broke the silence that has lasted for several months since the epidemic in this tourist attraction.
The country's first "Tuk Tuk" concert jointly organized by the National Tourism Administration of Thailand and the company lasted from the evening of the 8th to the early morning of the 9th. After changing the way many concerts are held online since the epidemic, in this open-air concert, Thailand’s iconic transportation vehicle "tuk tuk" (modified motorized tricycle) carries the audience into the venue, replacing traditional seats. Each "tuk tuk" can accommodate 3 people, and the distance between the cars is about two meters, and they are parked in the designated area.
Seeing their idol performing at the concert, fans wearing masks jumped out of the car, waved light sticks, and danced for joy.
"It's the first time I have participated in this kind of concert. Unlike previous concerts, the crowds are crowded. The audience can sing and dance in their own area. It is very interesting! And finally we can interact face-to-face with our favorite singers. The atmosphere of the long-lost scene is so exciting." Wandi, a fashion magazine photographer who loves trend culture, told reporters at the concert.
"Although everyone is very excited, but they are very orderly, no one flocks to surround the singer. A little bit of "getting over" will have a staff remind us, the staff will help buy meals, these measures make us no longer worry about participating in the concert It may bring risks." Wandi said.
Sadie, the "tuk tuk" driver who served this concert, said that almost all his income was from foreign tourists in the past. "I have no income for 4 months since the epidemic. I can only make a living by doing odd jobs. I have never encountered such a dilemma. Serving this concert is my first return to work in months. Hope this is a good one. At the beginning of the year, I hope the epidemic will pass quickly and tourists will come soon."
To prevent the spread of the epidemic, Thailand has banned large gatherings including concerts since March. At present, Thailand has had no new confirmed cases of local new crown for more than two months. As the epidemic improves, the Thai government has begun to implement lifting measures in stages.
To ensure that the concert is held smoothly, the event organizer has implemented strict epidemic prevention measures. Audiences participating in the concert must register online in advance, present their personal ID and register with their real names when they arrive at the scene, and scan the QR code of the relevant software with their mobile phones so that the parties can grasp the epidemic prevention information. Audiences can only enter the venue by "tuk tuk" after they have undergone temperature testing and put on masks. Hand sanitizer and masks are prepared for the audience in each car. During the concert, the staff reminds the audience to maintain social distancing and move around in the parking area of their vehicles. In order to avoid frequent movement of the audience, the party will arrange a staff member for each car to help the audience buy food and drinks.
Pon Siri, an official of the Public Relations Department of the National Tourism Administration of Thailand, told reporters that this "tuk tuk" concert is an exploration and attempt by the government to organize large-scale events under the new normal of epidemic prevention and control. "It is hoped that the people will increase their confidence in the government's prevention and control measures and the gradual return to normal life by participating in similar activities."
It is understood that in order to stimulate domestic tourism, Thailand will successively hold concerts, marathons, ball games and bicycle races. Limiting the number of people, wearing masks, and strictly observing social distance will become the basic rules for organizing related activities.