The top local stories in Pattaya and Chonburi from the past week: Covid testing of “restaurant” customers begins, Omicron makes an impact in Pattaya, and more….

Hello Pattaya News Readers and Supporters!

The following is our weekly feature in which we highlight the top local stories in our area, Pattaya and Chonburi, from the past week. The number of stories differs from week to week.

These are chosen and curated by our editorial team and are designed for our readers to get a quick “catch-up” of important stories they may have missed. We publish many stories daily and it is easy to lose track of important events or changes in our area. We do national recaps in a separate article, this is only the top local stories in our area and province.

They are in no particular order of importance but roughly in order of publishing. These are from Sunday, January 2nd, 2022, to Saturday, January 8th, 2022.

Let’s get started and see what the top local stories were!

1. Chonburi Governor releases late night updated orders around Covid-19 and food and beverage establishments

Chonburi, specifically Pattaya/Banglamung and later expanded to Mueang Chonburi, begins its controversial experiment by requiring “restaurants” (really bars temporarily opening as restaurants with permission) to test staff AND customers for Covid-19 with rapid antigen tests. This has driven furious debate on social media.

Chonburi Governor releases late night updated orders around Covid-19 and food and beverage establishments

Chonburi Governor releases orders around Covid-19 and food and beverage establishments in Mueang Chonburi district

Chonburi Public Health setting up three major Covid-19 screening points in Pattaya for free Covid-19 rapid testing for restaurants that sell alcohol

2. Pattaya and Banglamung cases rise, 81 percent of recently randomly tested infections are Omicron in the area says Chonburi’s top doctor

A major reason why cases have exploded in Pattaya is the fast-spreading Omicron.

Pattaya and Banglamung cases rise, 81 percent of recently randomly tested infections are Omicron in the area says Chonburi’s top doctor

3. One person dead, several injured and flee after a violent brawl at Tree Town market area, say Pattaya Police

The most discussed and biggest non-Covid-19 news of last week.

One person dead, several injured and flee after violent brawl at Tree Town market area, say Pattaya Police

UPDATE: Police hunting for all suspects involved in violent brawl that left one person dead in Central Pattaya

UPDATE: Three major suspects involved in a “violent brawl” in the Tree Town Market area of Central Pattaya that left one person dead arrested

4.  No plans for a lockdown, say Pattaya and Chonburi leaders

For now.

Pattaya mayor says no plans for lockdowns, widespread business or beach closures as city deals with rising Covid-19 cases

Chonburi governor continues to reiterate there are no plans for a total lockdown

5.  Pork prices continue to rise, frustrating customers and business owners in Chonburi.

Here is why.

Chonburi pork prices continue to increase, customers and vendors complain, officials taking action

6. Pattaya postpones Naklua Walk and Eat festival

Suspended, for now.

Pattaya postpones Naklua Walk and Eat festival

7. Pattaya Hotel Association President discusses Covid-19 quarantines, available rooms, urges for Covid-positive foreign tourists to be allowed to stay in hotels

This is still just a proposal overall.

Pattaya Hotel Association President discusses Covid-19 quarantines, available rooms, urges for Covid-positive foreign tourists to be allowed to stay in hotels

That is all for this week, see you again next week!