Thailand-
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 second week of February 2022, ending February 12th, 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:
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1. Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health to propose easing more Covid-19 restrictions
Despite cases of Covid-19 rising daily for the past several days, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is likely to propose easing more Covid-19 restrictions to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) this week.
Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the ministry’s Department of Disease Control, stated that the goal is for the public to live with the virus and that lockdowns and similar programs were essentially out the window.
However, Dr. Opas did not specifically state what proposals were on the table for easing, stating that people would have to “wait and see.”
More information on exactly what proposals could be suggested will likely come to light by the end of this week. On social media, TPN notes, the most popular requested “easing” is entry to the country by international visitors, with many specifically calling out day five Covid-19 testing on arrival or the overall bureaucracy of the Thailand Pass program. Other common complaints are outdoor mask mandates and the still technically closed nightlife industry, although they have been allowed to convert to “restaurants” with a series of rules and certifications.
TPN will watch this story closely throughout the week.
2. Manhunt continues for suspects in the death of a slain foreigner in Phuket
Top Thai brass and even the Canadian Ambassador held major meetings this morning, February 7th, 2022, around the developing story of a slain foreigner in Phuket. The cover photo of this article is the villa in Phuket where the incident took place.
Details continue to emerge, with many of them being reported by foreign press stating that the foreigner killed was heavily involved in foreign criminal gangs.
You can catch up on the story so far below, and we will keep an eye on this throughout the week as it has become an international story.
Manhunt begins for gunmen who shot a foreign man to death at a Phuket pool villa last Friday
That is it for this week! Stay safe and thank you SO much for your support!
