The COVID-19 pandemic has essentially canceled all motor show events around the world. To this day, no international motor show has pushed through due to the fear of the possible spread of the virus. However, it seems one event will be pushing through next month. It’s not just any small show either. It's one of the biggest and longest-running in Southeast Asia – the 2020 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS).

Grand Prix International, the organizer of 41st Bangkok International Motor Show, has announced that the show which was initially scheduled to take place last March will push through this coming July. Specifically, it is scheduled to take place from July 15 to 26. If all goes to plan, the Bangkok International Motor Show would be the first global motor show event to take place after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted cancellations of international motor shows starting with the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

In order to protect both exhibitors, show-goers, and clients at the motor show, organizers will implement additional safety measures in line with guidelines set forth by Thailand's health authorities. These include temperature checks before entering the Impact Challenger Exhibition Halls, where the motor show will take place. Social distancing will also be enforced. Given the large space of the exhibition area, organizers say it should not be quite hard to implement. Everyone will need to wear masks during their stay inside the exhibition halls, as well.

Do expect that the show to be quite different from what we have seen before. Organizers say that the distance between booths has been increased from 3 to 6 meters in order to comply with social distancing measures. The same will be done with customer reception desks in each booth and will help with crowding. Furthermore, exhibitors will need to wear a face shield on top of a face mask when interacting with visitors. Visitors must then use alcohol spray to clean their hands before entering any vehicle on the show floor.

Aside from the displays, BIMS also has a test drive event happening at the same time. Those who wish to test drive will have to undergo body temperature scanning again and required to sanitize hands using alcohol.

Last year’s 40th BIMS saw over 1.6 million visitors going to the show. This year, there will likely be fewer people going due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, it will be a glimmer of hope that a major auto show could happen even in the midst of COVID-19.