Phuket’s famous Bangla Walking Street was buzzing again now that restaurants are allowed to serve booze until 11pm and bands of up to five members can play sets.

Visitors are screened for their temperature at the entrance of the street and asked for vaccination and test records. People are also urged to keep their masks on, though some tourists were spotted ignoring the regulation.

A restaurant staff member said they have tried to get people who are not eating or drinking to keep their masks on, but some refuse to comply.

Meanwhile, very few tuk-tuks were spotted because many of the drivers said they want to wait for more tourists to return.

The Nation