Saturday, April 4, 2020

While many cities around the globe are in a complete lockdown due to the current global pandemic, Bangkok is still partially functioning during the day. Yet, many people in Thailand are currently self-quarantined and working at home, and since the media has recommended avoiding public transportation, Bangkok taxi drivers have fewer passenger these days. This afternoon, after a bit of deliberation, I decided to take a taxi home from the supermarket after stocking up on groceries. The driver was so happy to finally have a customer that he provided some of the best service I have ever experienced in a taxi here. He opened the door for me, offered some sanitizing hand gel, turned up the air-conditioning, and pulled up the front seat to give me more legroom. Maybe this difficult situation will have some positive effects in our world, including people's behavior and gestures toward one another. Or maybe he was just hoping for a nice tip.