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 roughly in order of publication.
This week, we cover the third week of October 2020, from Sunday, October 25th, 2020 to Saturday, October 31st, 2020.
1. Protests continue, Thai Prime Minister refuses to resign
One year later, last year’s massive well-attended protests have begun much, much smaller, but passionate affairs with some groups more aggressive. Many protest leaders remain in prison without bail pending upcoming trials for various alleged crimes. And, of course, the Thai PM Prayut Chan O’Cha remains firmly in charge a year after protesters called for a 3-day deadline for him to resign. This led to several more protests including a march to the German Embassy and other moves that stirred some controversy, seen below. It even led to small protests in Pattaya.
Thai Prime Minister does not resign, pro-democracy protesters organize more protests
Pro-democracy activists begin their march to German Embassy in Bangkok updates and coverage here
Pattaya pro-democracy protesters hold rally at Bali Hai Pier
Recap: Pro-democracy march to German Embassy to submit controversial petition
2. Member of parliament dramatically cuts his wrists while pleading for the Prime Minister to resign
This incident caused widespread concern from all sides with both opposition and support parties of the member in question stating the act was “over the top” and concerning. The MP remains in his role a year later.
3. Emergency Decree extended until the end of November
One year later, the Emergency Decree remains in effect. Perhaps when they extended it last year they meant November 2021. The decree has a large chance of being removed in the near future, however.
Thai Cabinet officially extends emergency decree to end of November
4. Skywalk, cruise terminal, improved Walking Street all to be developed, says Pattaya Mayor
A year later, with the exception of some movement of overhead cables underground on Walking Street, most of these projects are still in “preliminary Alpha pre-planning phases.” According to city officials, this is primarily because of Covid-19 continuing to cause issues.
Sky Walk, Cruise Terminal, improved Walking Street to be developed, says Mayor
5. Thailand and China sign high-speed rail project between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima
The 50.6 BILLION baht project will take many years but a year later is still legally signed. Construction and development have, like many things, been delayed some by Covid.
Thailand and China sign high speed rail project between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima
6. Thai finance ministry predicts only 8 million foreign tourists for 2021
This depressing outlook, way down from about 40 million in 2019 due to Covid-19, was to be even more depressing. As of today, Halloween, 2021, Thailand has welcomed far, far, far, far less due to Covid-19 and months of restrictions and lockdowns for most of the year in 2021. Thailand is finally planning to reopen effective tomorrow to vaccinated foreign tourists from low-risk countries, November 1st, 2021, although many rules still apply and steps have to be taken.
7. Thailand announces smart bands, mandatory tourist tracking devices during Covid-19
This was used a little in Phuket and for yacht quarantine visitors but overall the idea was dropped after much criticism.
That is all for this week! Have a safe and happy Halloween (last year, Loy Krathong also fell on this day, but this year it will be November 19th.) See you next week for more news from last year and how it has changed-or has not!
