A look at the next week in Thailand news: Chonburi and Bangkok ease some Covid-19 restrictions, Phuket Sandbox plan gets further adjustments, and more

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The following is our weekly feature in which we take a look at the top developing stories and things to follow over the next week. We are focusing on what is happening for the third week of June, ending June 19th, 2021.

As we publish dozens of stories a week, this allows our readers to get a quick glimpse of the most important stories taking place in Thailand and Pattaya and to monitor and follow for the week ahead, as chosen by our editorial team.

1. Chonburi (and Bangkok) eases some Covid-19 restrictions effective tomorrow, June 14th

In what will be welcome news for many local residents, both Bangkok and Chonburi are set to ease some Covid-19 restrictions effective from tomorrow, June 14th, 2021.

Some of the restrictions have been in place for about two months and were sorely missed.

At the top of the list for many local ex-pats based on e-mails and messages to TPN media are swimming pools opening for Pattaya/Chonburi and public parks opening for Bangkok.

Those who enjoy fitness and the gym will be happy to hear Chonburi has authorized gyms to open as well, although Bangkok will keep them closed for now.

Both Bangkok and Chonburi are also easing restrictions on massage shops, although only foot massages will be allowed to resume at first.

Finally, the popular tourist island of Koh Larn reopens to visitors in Pattaya, although you will need to present your passport/ID to visit as they are on the lookout for potential illegal migrants who could have snuck into the country without performing a proper two-week quarantine.

There are a few other restrictions also being eased, read the articles below for more. Unfortunately, the “big one” for many, reopening of Pattaya’s famous entertainment venues or alcohol in restaurants is still a national level restriction and doesn’t look to be lifting anytime soon.

Thai Prime Minister announces on social media easing of some Bangkok Covid-19 restrictions, states Phuket Sandbox will move forward on July 1st

Chonburi eases some restrictions effective Monday, June 14th: Pools, foot massage, gyms, and more

Koh Larn planning to reopen for visitors from Monday, June 14th

2. Phuket Sandbox to get final approval this week from the Thai Government?

The Phuket Sandbox program, which at its core allows foreign vaccinated tourists to return without quarantine (although with some rules and regulations) WILL proceed forward on July first, according to Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan O’Cha who made a post on his official Facebook account last night, quashing rumors and speculation that it would be delayed.

This followed last week when the Thai Cabinet, somewhat surprisingly, did not give expected final approval to the Sandbox plan designed by relevant agencies like the tourism authority and Ministry of Public Health but instead sent the plan to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration for further work to “balance the economy and safety.”

The plan may be approved this week, but it may also be pushed another week or so out. Once approved, some final details on many parts of the plan, eagerly anticipated by many, should be revealed.  It’s worth noting, however, that unfortunately, last week officials on Phuket confirmed the nightclubs, bars, gogos, and other popular entertainment venues of the island will NOT open at the start of the sandbox. The Prime Minister did state, however, on his social media accounts that this would be continually reviewed and that he was aware of the negative feedback of this decision by the public but stressed that once more health and safety had to be prioritized.

Phuket officials confirm that entertainment venues like bars and clubs will not open at the start of the Phuket Sandbox

3.  Mass vaccination plan continues, but keep an eye on supply and distribution

Thailand officially began its major vaccination campaign at a national level last week, vaccinating an impressive 416,787 people on the first day of the campaign in one day nationwide.

However, there are now concerns about the supply of vaccines, despite the central government stating more is on the way, and some hospitals have reportedly postponed planned vaccination registrations this week.

This will be something to monitor for the week ahead to ensure the vaccination campaign, which will be critical to reopening the country to tourism and getting restrictions eased, is on track.

Thai Government reports 416,847 people nationwide received a Covid-19 shot on the first day of mass vaccination kick-off, vaccine registration for foreign seniors available now

That is all for this week, have a very safe week ahead of yourselves!

 

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Adam Judd
Mr. Adam Judd is the Co-owner of TPN Media since December 2017. He is originally from Washington D.C., America, but has also lived in Dallas, Sarasota, and Portsmouth. His background is in retail sales, HR, and operations management, and has written about news and Thailand for many years. He has lived in Pattaya for over nine years as a full-time resident, is well known locally and been visiting the country as a regular visitor for over a decade. His full contact information, including office contact information, can be found on our Contact Us page below. Stories please e-mail Editor@ThePattayanews.com About Us: https://thepattayanews.com/about-us/ Contact Us: https://thepattayanews.com/contact-us/