Hundreds of struggling Thai taxi drivers protested today over their government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The self-employed workers converged on the Ministry of Finance in Bangkok, Thailand, where they blocked roads and demanded financial help from ministers.

Thailand’s tourism-reliant economy has been hit hard by several ineffective lockdowns and curfews – none of which have stopped the spread of infections.

Tourism chiefs hope to welcome back holidaymakers in October this year under strict requirements for vaccines and negative PCR tests.

Economists have warned 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 526,828 Covid-19 cases and 4,264 deaths as of July 27.