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 week of June 12th to 18th, 2022.
This week, there are two major things to follow in the news in Pattaya and Thailand;
1. Pattaya Mayor to finally officially be declared by the Election Commission?
After weeks of delays due to mysterious missing ballots that no reason was ever given for, a second election for Pattaya Mayor was held at two polling stations where ballots went previous missing on Sunday, June 12th.
As expected, Poramase Ngampiches, known by his nickname of Beer, the former vice minister of culture and part of former Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Khunpluem’s We Love Pattaya political group was declared the unofficial winner on Sunday night.
Now, the election has to be certified by the Election Commission and then the new Pattaya Mayor can declare his team and get to work. There are certainly many issues to tackle, one of the most pressing being the roadwork around the city, especially in the arguably biggest tourist street, Walking Street.
2. Thai Covid Center to meet on Friday, June 17th, about many issues and proposals
All eyes will be on this meeting as the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration or CCSA is going to discuss multiple proposals which could have far-reaching effects.
The proposals scheduled to be discussed include: Mask mandates in outdoor areas, late night closing for entertainment venues in tourism zones, a proposal to get rid of temperature checks at venues, insurance requirements to enter Thailand, current zone designations that govern Covid-19 restrictions, and last but not least potentially getting rid of Thailand Pass for foreigners.
There have been mixed messages for the past week on what the outcome of this meeting will be but as we don’t like to speculate at TPN media we will simply say that this will be an important meeting to observe.
That is all for this week! Have a safe week ahead!
