Feature: What the week ahead will bring in Thailand and Pattaya news, things to watch for

Thailand-

The following is our weekly feature article in which we take a look at the week ahead in Thailand and Pattaya news and the top stories to keep an eye on as we move into the next week.

These are chosen by our editorial team and are developing stories that we will follow and encourage our readers to follow over the next week or so. They are not in any particular order of importance.

These developing stories are for the week of March 7th to March 13th, 2021

1. Songkran rules and guidelines to be decided upon by the Thai Government

After the announcement that Songkran would be allowed this year in Thailand, especially the cultural, religious, and traditional aspects of the festival, work has begun from both local and national governments to decide what level of events to allow and how…although the Covid-19 situation has improved dramatically in Thailand, there are still concerns of potential asymptomatic patients. The Thai Government will be meeting in the next week to come up with overall guidelines, rules, and regulations. After this, the local government in Pattaya will meet as well.

Pattaya Mayor announces Songkran Festival for Pattaya, including “Big Day” of Wan Lai on April 19th is back with Covid-19 measures

2.  Thai Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration to meet and decide on area quarantine plan

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, or CCSA, is set to meet early this week to officially decide on if they will move forward with area quarantines…which so far looks likely to happen. Don’t know what area quarantines are? Here are some more details:

Thailand’s new tourism proposal of ‘Area Hotel Quarantine’ expected to be launched by start of May, still needs final approval from Cabinet

3. What’s next for Thai protesters?

As several more prominent Thai protest leaders face upcoming dates at the Criminal Court for Lese Majeste charges that could see them placed behind bars with several other prominent leaders, many are waiting to see what will happen next. A series of protests over the weekend, including one at the Criminal Court, stayed peaceful, despite protests in prior weeks involving conflicts between some protesters and police. The next week will likely see interesting developments.

RECAP: Three major pro-democracy demonstrations peacefully staged in several areas around Bangkok yesterday

That’s it for this week, three main stories to keep an eye on in the next week in Thailand that will likely develop further.