Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, January 3rd to the 9th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. Thailand’s Covid-19 alert now raised to level 4 due to rapid Omicron spread, Public Health Ministry announces
The national alert to the second-highest level had prompted tighter restrictions and more measures, including the closure of high-risk places, travel reduction as well as Work From Home, group activity limitations, etc, which resulted in the CCSA’s announcements on the following day to curb the Omicron spread that significantly occurred during and after the New Year holidays.
2. Thai Covid Center holds major meeting, makes Omicron measure related announcements
Following the rise of the national alert, the CCSA (Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration) then announced the readjustment of color zoning in most provinces to the controlled area or the Orange Zone and other preventive measures. All of the provinces that are not categorized in the Blue Zone are now listed in the controlled area, aka the Orange Zone in which alcohol sales and serving in restaurants are not allowed. For international travelers, the “Test&Go” tourist program remains suspended and only welcomes registered passengers who were already approved. The “Sandbox” program is still on for everyone with at least 7-nights of quarantine but only a few areas now apply. Full details can be found in the article, in case you miss it:
Thai Covid Center holds major meeting, makes Omicron measure related announcements
3. Thailand suspends pork and pig exports for three months to help solve soaring prices
The skyrocketing price of pork brought several complaints to the public since the beginning of the year. The Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services, therefore, released a notification to temporarily prohibit the export of swine and pork out of the Kingdom to solve such problems. Although the government reasoned that it was due to the decline in domestic pork production, many comments on social media suspiciously stated that it could be the spread of the African swine fever (AFS) that had been spreading in many countries. However, the authorities denied the accusation today and restated that it was because of the falling of local supplies.
Thailand suspends pork and pig exports for three months to help solve soaring prices
And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
Psst….want to see more? Check out our TikTok here
