A look back at the top stories from this week LAST year: Bars reopen, Sukhawadee House damaged in fire, and more!

Thailand-

The following is a weekly feature article looking at this same time period LAST year in Pattaya and Thailand news.

This weekly feature takes a look back at news from the same period last year (and sometimes different time windows, such as six months or three months) to see how things have changed, following up on the progression of stories, as well as look at potentially broken promises or things that didn’t take place as promised in Pattaya and Thailand.

As we publish dozens of stories a week this is a quick way for people to take a look at what the biggest stories were a year ago, as chosen by our editorial team, and how they impact us today and relate to current news. They are in no particular order of importance, however, are in order of publication. This week, we cover the last week of JUNE 2020, from Sunday, June 28th, 2020 to Saturday, July 4th, 2020. They are roughly in order of publication.

Let’s get started:

1.  Phase Five of Thailand’s reopening begins July First

Last year, after 3 and a half months of closures, Thailand finally allowed schools, bars, nightlife, and the last remaining closed businesses due to Covid-19 measures to reopen.  This was a big deal for business owners, domestic tourists, and locals alike.

Unfortunately, a year later, the same venues have been closed for approaching three months and no sign of a lifting of restrictions any time soon, despite rising protests from business owners claiming they have seen little to no financial aid from the government that has forced them closed.

Phase Five of relaxation measures to officially begin in Thailand July First: Bars, Pubs, Karaokes, Soapies, Schools can open

2.  Thai Cabinet officially extends emergency decree

Last year many disagreed with the extension as Thailand appeared to be over the worst of Covid-19 and was fully reopening internally, as mentioned above, on July 1st.

A year later, the Emergency Decree is STILL in effect.

Thai Cabinet officially gives green light to extending Emergency Decree until end of July, Phase Five openings

3. Fire devastates Sukhawadee House tourist attraction in Pattaya on the first day of re-opening

This was certainly an odd story that drew a lot of attention. Short circuit?

Fire devastates Sukhawadee House tourist attraction in Pattaya on first day of re-opening, Video

4. Entertainment venues finally reopen in Pattaya

When will we see this headline again?

Entertainment venues open in Pattaya after three and a half months on a rainy first night, list of rules

5. CCSA: No relaxation on social distancing measures, masks anytime soon in Thailand due to illegal border crossing concerns

Well, here is another thing likely not to change anytime soon.

CCSA: No relaxation on social distancing measures, masks anytime soon in Thailand due to illegal border crossing concerns