UPDATE 1-Thai traffic back to gridlock as coronavirus measures ease

(Recasts with easing of restrictions, return to work, adds
detail)
By Jiraporn Kuhakan
BANGKOK, May 18 (Reuters) - Cars, trucks and motorcycles
jostled on Monday in a return of the Thai capital's familiar
gridlock as commuters headed back to work in the second phase of
easing coronavirus restrictions to get the economy back on
track.
As snarl-ups grew in Bangkok's notoriously congested
streets, travelers headed to its northern bus terminal to get
out to the provinces for the first time since March, most
sitting beside empty seats, in line with social distancing
rules.
"I've been waiting to go home for many months. I'm glad to
finally be able to do so," said Ratchari Maneenop, 22, who was
heading to her home province of Loei in the northeast.
Thailand reported three new coronavirus infections on
Monday, taking confirmed cases to 3,031 since January, with 56
deaths.
But restrictions on commerce and transport have battered
tourism, household spending and private investment, leaving a
dent in Thailand's economy, which contracted at its sharpest
pace in eight years in the first quarter, pushing it into
recession sooner than expected. Bus driver Boonsong Misa said he was thrilled to be back on
the road.
"I've stopped working since March 8, it's been two months
already," he said at the bus terminal. "I'm glad that I get to
do the job I love again."
Queues formed on Sunday at the reopening of Thailand's
malls, where some operators using touch-less elevators and
deploying robots to take customers' temperatures. Even though Thailand has been reporting fewer coronavirus
cases in recent weeks, the government is keeping closed places
that typically attract large groups of people, such cinemas.
Passenger flights have been halted until the end of June.
"Do not sit" signs have been posted on many of the seats on
Bangkok's elevated train network to give sufficient gaps between
passengers and floor markers are in place to control lines.
There were similar traffic jams in the Philippines, with
trucks and private vehicles pouring into the capital Manila,
which started a "modified" lockdown. Some businesses and offices
are allowed to reopen, but public transport remains suspended,
leaving many workers in the lurch.
"I've been waiting for over 30 minutes, hoping to get a
ride," said commuter Rolan Obani.
"My work is very important to me."