A restaurant in Thailand had the most adorable idea to keep diners from feeling lonely while eating.
Earlier this month, Thailand eased its lockdown restrictions, allowing restaurants to reopen as long as they follow strict social distancing rules.
However, Natthwut Rodchanapanthkul, owner of Bangkok’s Vietnamese restaurant Maison Saigon, is keen to avoid having lonely customers while eating all on their own.
Maison Saigon has employed dozens of the cuddly little pandas to keep diners company, while also making it clear where customers are not allowed to sit.
‘‘Earlier we had only one chair for the tables where the customer came alone. But for me, it felt strange, so I thought I’d give them some company,’’ Rodchanapanthkul said in a Reuters report.
The cuddly toy panda bears have gone down a treat with diners, who can enjoy looking at a cuddly companion while eating instead of an empty table.
“The doll makes me feel less lonely eating by myself.” One customer named Sawit Chaiphuek said. “It’s a lot easier to understand compared to other restaurants where people always get confused about where to sit and end up sitting too close to each other.”
The Thailand-based restaurant took to Instagram to explain the method behind its new squishy companions.
“The Maison Saigon is now open for eating!! Come alone, as a couple, or as a whole family. We have pandas and clear panels to help keep the distance for you to be happy and healthy with authentic Vietnamese taste safely, without worries, with strict cleanliness measures in accordance with state standards.”