Thailand-
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 second week of August, ending August 14th, 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.
First, we made a brief video about this below, for those who prefer a video update:
1. CCSA to evaluate maximum control zone measures at the end of this week
The Center for Covid-19 situation Administration, or CCSA, is set to evaluate the current widely unpopular restrictions, measures, and closures in place to “control the spread of Covid-19” at the end of this week.
The exact date for the review is unknown, and may even fall over the weekend or very early next week, but the CCSA has previously promised a review of the current partial lockdown restrictions within about two weeks of this month.
The measures, which include even things like the closure of beaches, parks, pools, outdoor sports fields, a mandatory overnight curfew, banning of restaurant dine-in, and the closure of basically all business that is not essential like grocery stores or medical, have been in place since July 20th. Some measures, like the closure of bars, entertainment, nightlife, cinemas, amusement parks, events/festivals, and similar items have been in place since way back in April of this year, however. Other venues, like massage shops, beauty clinics, gyms, tourist attractions, pools, etc. have been in a state of being allowed to open and then close several times since April.
Covid-19 cases remain fairly high in Chonburi, as you can see by clicking here, so unfortunately unless the situation significantly improves by the end of the week it is likely the measures will continue through the end of the month. The current legal orders that authorize the measures taken by the CCSA last until the end of the month as well.
2. Protesters vow that protests will continue
This weekend saw both major protests in Bangkok and in Pattaya, although they were day and night in terms of how the protests took place. The Bangkok protests, which you can read about by clicking here, culminated in almost nine hours of back and forth conflicts and confrontations with police.
The Pattaya car rally protest was peaceful, well organized, and had no such confrontations. You can read about that protest by clicking here.
Multiple groups involved in the protests, which have a variety of causes but are primarily upset at the government’s Covid-19 response and related measures, vaccine rollout, restrictions, and vaccine brands, have stated future protests will be planned and continue until the situation improves. Many are calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister, but many simply want restrictions eased or more financial aid given for their closed businesses and livelihoods.
3. Charity lines grow in size across the city as the situation deteriorates across Pattaya
We have been regularly covering many generous and kind-hearted individuals, groups, companies, organizations, and local government/law enforcement agencies that have been helping those most in need across Pattaya over the past several weeks, as seen in the video above.
Since Pattaya became a maximum control zone last month, putting thousands of more people out of work, the situation has deteriorated drastically, seeing lines of people stretching even into over a thousand, especially at Bali Hai Pier, lined up for food and supplies due to lack of income.
This has been caused, according to people interviewed in line, not just by the restrictions and mandated closures, but by what they say is a lack of financial aid given for the closures, especially to so-called “informal” workers who make up the majority of Pattaya’s workforce. An informal worker is one who generally doesn’t collect social security for whatever reason, and in fact, makes up the majority of the workforce in Thailand overall, but especially in tourism and hospitality-related markets like Pattaya.
Although the situation has been getting worse in terms of people unemployed, homeless, and looking for assistance, the number of generous people able and willing to help has also improved. If you wish to assist those in need by having a charity event you must have a permit and permission from the Banglamung District Office. You can call City Hall for more information at 1337.
That is all for this week, we hope you have a safe week ahead for you and your loved ones!
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