The following is our exclusive weekly feature in which we ask our readers a news topical question and then give you a week to answer it on our various channels, compiling a diverse range of answers and opinions to present to you, our valued readers. Here are the results from our last question…
Last week, we asked you the following:
Should a single, consistent, policy for alcohol sales at restaurants and reopening nightlife/bars be implemented across Thailand?
The context around the proposal was the following:
Is it time for a more universal, clear policy from the CCSA? Do you think the current system will confuse or frustrate tourists now that vaccinated foreign tourists can return to Thailand from 63 low-risk countries without a strict quarantine? What do YOU think should happen? Do you think the current system is good and helps stop Covid? Is it fair? Do you think the current laws encourage possible corruption with officials?
Here is what you, our readers, had to say as our editors selected some of the most diverse responses to highlight different points of view. Obviously, we can’t post everyone’s opinion here so selected a variety of the most diverse opinions. As always, the opinions and statements below are the reader’s own and may not reflect those of TPN media. There have been minor edits for spelling and grammar only:
Pete S: There are more infections traced back to work camps, prisons, and migrant workers than have ever been found to come from people drinking alcohol. They should be policing social distancing, not drinking. Implement a phased approach – everywhere, with 2-4 weeks between phases (delay the next step if outbreaks ensue):
1. Allow all REAL restaurants (those with a food license, a printed and extensive menu, and a proper kitchen) to serve alcohol ASAP.
2. Allow open-air beer bars on the ground floor within view from the street to open.
3. Allow indoor bars, pool halls to open with strict control over social distancing by random checks.
4. Allow all entertainment venues to open (GoGos, nightclubs, and discos) but close those traced to be the source of any outbreak for 3 months.
Who wants to travel thousands of miles with piles of red tape to vacation in an indecisive country that won’t allow you to have a glass of wine with your meal?
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Nuanjan-Many tourists enjoy Thailand’s nightlife and without the nightlife, they will likely not come back. It appears that the do-gooders never want to see the bars reopen.
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Mr. Koron-Keep it banned in Pattaya, preferably forever. The city has a significant religious and conservative population and reforming the city to be a family-friendly city is important. Muslim travelers were increasing prior to Covid-19 and are predicted to return in 2022, having a city and area “Alcohol-free” and family-friendly would be best for permanently killing the bar industry and disgusting sex industry in Pattaya and bringing more quality, high-spending Islamic tourists.
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Greg L-Get insured, you’re more likely to break bones than catch the virus though. The pavements are nowhere near completed here in Pattaya.
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Peter C-that would make far too much sense and would remove the powerbases from the local/regional governments…
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Brett J-I think you need differing codes. some areas are covid infected badly others not at all.
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Terry T-Far too logical to be considered. It is the THAI GOVERNMENT after all.
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David D-Bottom line is that until restrictions on the nightlife are lifted, there are going to be very few tourists. My family is there so I will be returning in a month or two. If it was not for my family, I would not be returning anytime soon. Too many other options
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Jose-Absolute nonsense. The current situation isn’t the same everywhere in the country and therefore neither should the policies be.
