Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, August 23rd to the 29th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. Chiang Mai to welcome vaccinated foreign tourists under the “Charming Chiang Mai” bubble-and-seal project in October
TAT aims for four districts of Chiang Mai to be the first inland areas to be pushed under the TAT’s “Bubble & Seal” reopening country plan, following several southern island openings in Phuket, Samui, and others in the “7+7” model. Unlike the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus Model, Chiang Mai plans to target actual tourists, particularly from Asia and Europe, and not returning ex-pats or Thai nationals. If everything goes according to the plan, the “Charming Chiang Mai” will be ready to welcome vaccinated foreigners in October 2021.
2. Most-wanted former policeman “Chief Joe” surrenders and is arrested, Royal Thai Police confirms
The case of a group of police officials, led by superintendent Thitisan “Chief Joe” Uttanaphon, of Nakhon Sawan Station who are accused of allegedly suffocating a drug suspect to death during interrogation had been notoriously and internationally exposed last week. The manhunt for the fugitives and the arrest of their supervisor had been swiftly conducted within a week following leaked footage that went viral on social media on Tuesday. According to Chief Joe’s own statement, he reportedly admitted to ordering his subordinates to do such actions but claimed he had not intended to suffocate Jeerapong, the victim. He also wanted to take all responsibility for committing the crime alone as all of his subordinates only followed his order. He and his 12 involved subordinates were being detained at Phitsanulok Provincial Prison.
Most-wanted former policeman “Chief Joe” surrenders and is arrested, Royal Thai Police confirms
3. Royal Gazette officially announces relaxation of Covid-19 preventive measures, including restaurants reopening in dark-red zone provinces
The implementation of newly arranged measures called “Smart Control and Living with COVID-19” will allow people to coexist with the disease under the new normal principles. It includes reopening of dine-in restaurants and other establishments such as beauty institutions, salons, massage parlors, etc. from September 1st onwards. The full restrictions can be found in the article below.
4. Domestic flights to return to business in 29 dark-red zone provinces with disease control measures, starting September 1st
The announcement came after the CCSA general meeting’s approval of inter-provincial travel among 29 dark-red zone provinces. Airlines will partially return to their businesses but some restrictions remain to prevent the spread of Covid-19, starting in September. Passengers still need to strictly comply with the provincial control measures of the destination province in which details can be found in the article below.
And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
Psst….want to see more? Check out our TikTok here
User Review
( votes)
