Pattaya, Thailand-
After three-and-a-half months, the overnight curfew in Pattaya officially sang its swan song last night and is over as of today, October 31st, 2021 in the city, Chonburi province, and most (but not all) of the country.
The curfew had originally gone into effect on July 20th of this year and although it had reduced in hours over time was still very unpopular.
According to the Ministry of Public Health, however, the point of the curfew had been successful-to reduce movement as Thailand increased Covid-19 vaccinations and especially to stop illegal overnight gatherings and parties. The nighttime economy in Thailand has been mostly shut since April of this year, for seven months. Although this sector has not yet been reopened despite the lifting of the curfew, much to the anger of Pattaya business owners, the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has stated they will keep reviewing this decision in the near future with rules and consider this sector by December 1st.
The removal of the curfew was made official by the CCSA first at an announcement on Friday, found here, and later by an order signed by the Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan O’Cha in the Royal Thai Gazette over this weekend.
That being said, seven provinces, Chanthaburi, Tak, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Narathiwas, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla remain under curfew and are classified as “deep red” zones. Most are in the deep South of Thailand although Chanthaburi is to the Southeast of Chonburi and near Rayong and remains under curfew as well as a total alcohol sales ban. The province, which is mainly rural, has been rushing to catch up with other provinces in terms of vaccinations and has had issues with illegal migrant workers in gem markets and other factors driving Covid-19 concerns in the province.
Convenience stores can finally return to 24-hour sales, as can supermarkets if they choose. Restaurants are allowed to open until 11:00 P.M. currently as Chonburi province remains “red” overall and that is a provincial restriction. Alcohol sales in Pattaya, unfortunately, remain banned at restaurants and bars and nightlife remains closed as of press time.
Finally, it IS Halloween today. For those looking for something to do with the bars and nightlife closed and Pattaya’s normally rambunctious Halloween parties unable to be held, here is an idea.
Have a scary Halloween at Ripley’s Backyard Halloween in Royal Garden shopping mall
