A theme park in Thailand is using teddy bears to keep social distancing rules on the rides.

Dream World in Pathum Thani province re-opened last month when officials eased the coronavirus lockdown.

There have been no new locally transmitted cases of Covid-19 in the country for 40 days but businesses are under strict orders to enforce social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitising and tracing.

Footage from the theme park this morning (July 7) shows how visitors are sitting alongside large cuddly bears on the white-knuckle rollercoaster rides.

The teddies ensure that people do not get too close to each other and risk a second wave of the pandemic.

Bosses said it was the best way of keeping social distancing guidelines without appearing too strict.

''If there was lots of tape and barriers it would be unsightly and turn people away,'' a spokesman said.

''But teddy bears can fulfill the function of preventing people from different groups coming into close contact and they also look fun, which reflects the feel of our park.''