Thailand week in review: Thai Prime Minister promises country reopening in 120 days, CCSA relaxes health preventive measures nationwide, Bangkok approves eight businesses reopening

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, June 14th to June 20th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

PHOTO: Matichon

1. Thai Prime Minister aims for full country reopening for vaccinated foreign tourists within 120 days

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha announced via a national broadcast on Wednesday last week that the government aimed to fully reopen the whole country within the next 120 days, or around mid-October 2021. According to the plan, fully vaccinated tourists against the Covid-19 Coronavirus will be welcomed to visit the country without conducting a quarantine. However, in order to proceed, 70 percent of Thai citizens must at least receive the first shot of the vaccines to reduce the risk of infection in each opened province. The announcement was also seen as a major step towards reopening Thailand to tourism which is a crucial part of its economic recovery.

Thai Prime Minister aims for full country reopening for vaccinated foreign tourists within 120 days

2. Thai Covid-19 Center announces relaxation of Covid-19 preventive measures nationwide, particularly in dark red zone provinces

The relaxation of Covid-19 preventive measures is now implemented nationwide, with major changes in the dark-red zone areas including Bangkok. Air-conditioned restaurants are allowed to open until 11:00 PM. for 50 percent of their capacity in the dark-red areas while all restaurants can be operated normally in the red and orange zones, including Chonburi. Selling alcoholic beverages is still prohibited but only in the dark-red, red, and orange zones. Entertainment venues, however, and venues that are only bars, remain closed nationwide. This will be implemented until further notice.

Thai Covid-19 Center announces relaxation of Covid-19 preventive measures nationwide, particularly in dark red zones provinces

3. Bangkok governor approves relaxation of eight businesses and places, effective this Monday

After the CCSA announcement, the Bangkok governor also gave a green light to the reopening of eight businesses and places on Monday. Swimming pools, sports stadiums, and outdoor exercise places are allowed to open. Competitions can be staged without any spectators. Convenience stores, public libraries, science centers, and museums can be operated normally at their business hours. Restaurants are allowed for dining no later than 11:00 PM. with a limited number of people not exceeding 50 percent of the total seats in an air-conditioned space. Large gatherings of more than 50 people should be given permission by the district office or Bangkok Public Health Department, depending on the number.

Bangkok governor approves relaxation of eight businesses and places, effective this Monday

And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October, 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.