Thailand takes live music festival to Zoom amid virus outbreak
Public gatherings banned
Public gatherings have been banned in Thailand since mid-March to prevent the spread of coronavirus, but Sunday's six-hour-long show gave people a chance to see and interact with artists from afar.
Concert via zoom
"My favourite band hasn't had a live performance during the lockdown, so being able to see them today will make me happy," said 21-year old Siriyagorn Aimchomchid as she waited for their set to start.
3,000 tickets sold!
Some music fans gathered in small groups -- permitted under the coronavirus restrictions -- to watch the event, for which about 3,000 tickets were sold at 499 baht ($15.84) apiece.
'Closer than being at an actual concert'
"A virtual music festival allows audiences and artists to interact, and they can sing along and talk to each other," said Samkwan Tonsompong, managing director of festival organiser What The Duck Music. "I think this is closer than being at an actual concert."
'Not equal to a live gig'
But Sirinapa Darathum, a 15-year-old student who was watching with three friends, said the online format did not compare to the excitement of a live gig.
"Although I'm watching artists close up on the screen, I am still far apart from them because we are in different locations," she said.
)
)
)
)
)