Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Social distancing pandas fill empty seats at Bangkok restaurant

An “X” usually marks the seats in restaurants and other establishments to make sure people are social distancing to prevent spread of the coronavirus. Sometimes the “X” on the empty is marked with red tape, unintentionally sending a negative message. Now one Vietnamese restaurant in Bangkok has found a more fun way to make sure people are sitting apart but still marking the seat spacing.
Big, stuffed panda bear toys are placed in the vacant seats instead. (So far publishers have resisted to use the term ‘food panda’ in the headline).
Natthwut Rodchanapanthkul, owner of Maison Saigon, near Lumphini Park, told Reuters that he thought the red crosses looked a bit strange.
“Earlier we had only one chair for the tables where the customers would sit alone. But for me, it felt strange, so I thought I’d give them some company.”
Thailand has recently lifted restrictions, on restaurants and for some it might be the first time eating at a restaurant since the lockdown. With strict rules and various seats marked with “Xs,” going out for a meal has been a bit daunting.
Photos of people eating next to and across from the pandas look a lot happier. One customer told Reuters the pandas made her feel less lonely while she ate a meal by herself.
The next step in easing restrictions around Thailand is set for this Sunday.
Shopping centres and retail shops plan to reopen but a full confirmation on precisely what will open is yet to emerge from the CSSA… hopefully today.
SOURCE:Reuters
Get more from The Thaiger
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.

-
Business4 days ago
Thai Airways has sold 11 of its old aircraft, 26 to go
-
Patong2 days ago
UPDATE: 19 year old Australian falls to his death at a Phuket hotel
-
Patong3 days ago
19 year old Australian falls to his death at a Phuket hotel
-
Crime4 days ago
More than 100 foreigners in Phuket swindled by visa agency
-
Expats3 days ago
Norwegian man stabs himself in Pattaya hotel
-
Economy1 day ago
Price of made-to-order food surge in Thailand
-
Coronavirus (Covid-19)4 days ago
Thai health chief received special drug due to obesity, not privilege
-
360 Reviews3 days ago
The best honeymoon resorts in Phuket for 2022
You must be logged in to post a comment Login