Bangkok-
The following is our weekly feature in which we take a look at the top developing stories and things to follow over the next week. We are focusing on what is happening for the third week of January 2022, ending January 22nd, 2022.
As we publish dozens of stories a week, this allows our readers to get a quick glimpse of the most important stories taking place in Thailand and Pattaya and to monitor and follow for the week ahead, as chosen by our editorial team.
Let’s get right into it with the biggest news of the week and what important stories to follow and look for this week that are likely to see further developments: -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is planning to discuss color-code rezoning and the revision of the “Test&Go” tourism scheme at a general meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Thursday, January 20th.
-=-=-=-=-===-=-
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed to the press today, January 17th, that the Ministry would mention the possibility of the provincial color code readjustment and the ease of some preventive measures to allow more living flexibility while continuing to stay cautious of the virus.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
TPN media notes that Thailand uses a color-coding system from green to dark red to determine restrictions and policies across the country by province and area. Dark red reflects the toughest measures with green being the lightest. Most of the country is currently at an “orange” level which primarily restricts alcohol sales and gathering limits.
-=-=–=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Some tourist-reliant areas are the “BLUE” zone (Business, Leisure, Ultimate Experience) which has the ability to enact more relaxed rules, especially around alcohol. When being asked by Thai reporters about the possibility of reopening entertainment venues like bars, nightclubs, pubs, etc which have been legally closed since early April of 2021, Anutin only stated the relaxation of measures in the high-risk areas would be slowly and gradually implemented. Anutin added that the Thai government already allowed entertainment venues to operate as ‘modified’ restaurants but stated that the operators must strictly abide by the new opening rules and not discreetly run as bars or pubs.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
These rules, TPN media notes, have not been popular with most operators of nightlife venues as currently, the legal closing time is 9:00 P.M. and in some areas, like Pattaya, all customers must take a Covid-19 rapid test before entry within 72 hours. Other rules, like banning pool tables, singing, dance floors, etc. have also not been greeted with positive feedback.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The proposal of the return of the “Test&Go” plan would also be introduced at the Thursday, January 20th meeting, according to Anutin. However, the discussion and the final decision would be under the authorities of the CCSA (Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration) after Thursday’s meeting, prioritizing the safety of the citizen and the medical frontliners.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
TPN media adds that this is a proposal and NOT a guarantee that the Test and Go would return immediately or even in the very near future.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=–=–=–=–==-
