A Bangkok airport was in gloomy darkness today after Covid-19 restrictions grounded flights.

Footage shows the deserted terminal of the Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) as lockdowns that were first introduced in July were extended until the end of the month.

The interprovincial travel restrictions and stay at home recommendations have caused airlines to cancel all their domestic flights.

However, commercial flights carrying passengers to the Phuket sandbox ‘quarantine island’ can continue to operate despite bookings slowing down.

Phuket provincial governor Narong Wunsiew said: ‘We do not want to shut the island again after just reopening, so we have to elevate preventive measures and reduce some activities in order to save Phuket, the sandbox and the country.’

Thailand has recorded 968,957 Covid-19 cases and 8,285 deaths as of August 18 – with cases rising dramatically since April when the Indian Delta variant emerged in the country.

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.