Pattaya Countdown 2022 kicks off with very light attendance due to strict Covid measures, day two begins

Pattaya –

Pattaya Countdown 2022 began last night (December 29th). Unfortunately, only as estimated by Pattaya Law Enforcement, less than two hundred people experienced the concerts at the event zone at the Bali Hai Pier.

The low attendance was primarily because of the requirement of not only being fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to even get near the stage but also to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test within the past 72 hours with a doctor’s note/signature. These unusually strict procedures were ordered by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, or CCSA, earlier in the month. Prior events in Pattaya since November have only required one or the other, but not both, which seemed to majorly impact attendance.

The Pattaya City Mayor Sontaya Kunplome officially opened the festival. People who wanted to join in the event zone MUST have completed at least double doses of a qualified Covid – 19 vaccines AND show proof of a recent Covid-19 ATK test with a doctor’s note.

Mayor Sontaya told TPN media, “The Pattaya Countdown 2022 is the 12th event we have had after the country has opened for international tourists since November 1st. We have run many successful events and know this one will be as well, despite the tougher measures for entry in the face of Omicron. (A Covid-19 variant)”

“We have tried to do everything to make this countdown event successful in the face of great adversity. Thank you to everyone who has strictly followed Covid -19 measurements. We will be safe and enjoy ourselves during these festivals. All staff and workers and everyone who attended, including myself, met the same requirements for testing and full vaccination against Covid-19.” The mayor added.

TPN media notes that the strict Covid-19 measures were widely panned online overall, with many people asking if they needed to be tested and vaccinated why the event still had socially distanced chairs and banned food and drink (including non-alcoholic.) As a result, with the exception of one or two artists, the scene for the show was quiet.

Night two begins today with some reports that officials may allow a limited number of people to enter the outside event area (General Bali Hai Pier area) with fewer requirements, but not the concert stage area, in an attempt to allow more people to see the show but still stay safe.

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Goongnang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for many years and has worked with The Pattaya News for more than four years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.