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 October, ending October 23rd, 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.
Let’s get right into it with the biggest news of the week and the majority of what to look for this week:
1. Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) says they will give the detailed plan for reopening Thailand to vaccinated foreign tourists this week
The CCSA has stated that they will give details around a plan originally announced by the Prime Minister, Prayut Chan O’Cha, to open the country to vaccinated foreign tourists in November this week.
This statement comes after criticism online from many who felt the government would wait until the last minute like the Phuket Sandbox to announce details, making it impossible for both businesses and visitors to plan.
According to the CCSA, the specifics of the plan should come by the middle of this week and include details like the list of countries where people can visit from, processes for testing when entering the country, and areas where people can tour. You can read more about the proposal below:
The Prime Minister’s announcement can be found here:
PR: Thailand to lift quarantine for vaccinated visitors from low-risk countries from November
2. End of Buddhist Lent this Thursday, holiday weekend incoming
The end of Buddhist Lent is this Thursday, October 21st, which means a major religious holiday for Buddhists, and for those who don’t celebrate it means a “dry” day as a guaranteed nationwide alcohol sales ban will take place.
Of course, this isn’t as big a deal as prior years and holidays as nightlife and bars have been closed since April of this year, almost seven months, due to Covid-19 related precautions.
However, it DOES mean ALL sales, even those at grocery stores, will be banned for 24 hours on the 21st, so be prepared in advance. This upcoming weekend also means Immigration closures for our foreign readers, as well as a long holiday weekend likely to be busy in Pattaya for domestic tourism.
Read more about this here:
End of Buddhist Lent approaching this Thursday October 21st, 24-hour alcohol sales ban incoming
That is it for this week, only two major things to watch, but both items are are significant to keep an eye out for.
Stay safe, and see you next week!