Footage shows an upmarket riverfront shopping mall that was deserted today (May 27) as a third wave of Covid-19 cases continue to spread in Thailand.

The Asiatique centre next to the Chao Phraya River was packed every night with tens of thousands of tourists before the pandemic hit last March.

However, now many of the stalls have closed down and the popular attraction, which includes a ferris wheel and boat rides, is like a ghost town.

Economists said that it could be another five years before the country’s tourism industry returns to pre-pandemic levels.

Two years ago tourism made up an estimated 21 per cent of Thailand’s GDP, generating 1.8 trillion baht in revenue. However, the country’s National Economic and Social Development Council predicted that it could be another five years before similar numbers are seen.

Analysts said that between now and 2026, around seven million workers will continue to be affected by the economic harm from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thailand has recorded 112,354 Covid-19 infections and 920 deaths as of May 27.