About 300 people gathered in Bangkok's Lumphini Park on 4 July for a 'just sitting and not doing shit' event, responding to a Facebook invitation to escape screens and protest capitalism by spending an hour being 'useless'. Participants lounged on beanbags, fold-up chairs, and picnic mats, some gazing at the sky, others facing the lake, with only a handful checking their phones. No talking was allowed, only the sounds of birds and monitor lizards.
Event details and global context
The event, organized by Gun, 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 noted that technology always provides occupation, yet research shows 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 found the hour 'free' but admitted talking at times. Pookpick Chayanee said it was 'good for just being with yourself' and that the hour passed easily. Pompam, a 22-year-old with ADHD, found it challenging not to touch her phone, bringing a paint-by-numbers set. Tyler, a master's student, appreciated the chance to 'chill' and not stress about studying, admitting 'it's good to do nothing.'
Organiser's intention and work culture
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 is the bedrock of creativity. Long working hours remain common in Thailand's urban centres, with Bangkok often cited among the worst cities for work-life balance. Many participants enjoyed the experience, with some entering meditative states or simply appreciating freedom from Saturday chores.
