About 300 people gathered in Lumphini Park in Bangkok on 4 July to sit still and do nothing for an hour, answering a Facebook event that invited them to 'escape your screen' and 'protest capitalism.' Participants lounged on beanbags, fold-up chairs, and picnic mats, some gazing at the sky, others facing the lake, with minimal phone use and no talking.
Event Details and Global Context
The event, titled 'just sitting and not doing shit,' promised no instructions, countdowns, facilitators, icebreakers, networking, worksheets, or learning outcomes. Similar events occur worldwide, such as South Korea's Space Out competition and Spain's Siesta Championship, pushing back against urban societies' obsession with productivity.
Author and overthinking coach Gabrielle Treanor told the Guardian earlier this year that technology constantly occupies us, and many feel pressure to do extra things. Research shows an aversion to sitting alone with one's thoughts.
Participant Experiences
Mint, an HR worker, and Maple, a psychologist, attended for a break from their first year of working life after university. Mint found Bangkok's pace faster than her hometown Khon Kaen, so 'having a reason to do nothing was nice.' Aya and Junior thought the hour might be difficult but found it 'free,' though they sometimes talked as friends.
Organiser Gun did not expect such popularity. He noted that mobile phones have become 'boredom blasters' and wanted people to remember the feeling of sitting quietly and being bored, which experts say fosters creativity.
Impact and Reactions
Long working hours are common in Thailand's urban corporate culture, and Bangkok is often cited as among the worst cities for work-life balance. Many participants enjoyed the experience; some entered meditative states, while others appreciated freedom from Saturday chores. Pookpick Chayanee said it was 'good for just being with yourself' and that the hour passed easily, adding 'I love to do nothing.'
Some found it challenging. Pompam, a 22-year-old with ADHD, said doing nothing was difficult and she forced herself not to touch her phone. She and a friend used a paint-by-numbers set to pass time. Tyler, a master's student, appreciated the chance to 'chill' and not stress about studying, admitting 'it's good to do nothing.'
