A floating market that used to be busy with tourists had been abandoned due to the Covid-19 surge in Thailand.

The popular Amphawa market surrounded by canals used to be packed with vendors and shoppers in Samut Songkhram on the outskirts of the capital Bangkok.

Restaurants offering traditional Thai dishes could be found beside rivers while vendors sell food, drinks, and souvenirs from morning until afternoon. At night, tourists could book boat rides to watch fireflies mate in trees.

However since the pandemic hit, the market has been left empty as the government implemented measures to curb the surge in the number of coronavirus cases.

Footage from August 30 shows the quiet shops and restaurants with only a few locals riding motorcycles across the streets while the normally bustling canal was deserted.

Thailand has recorded 1,190,063 Covid-19 cases and 11,399 deaths as of August 30.

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.