Koh Larn preparing to re-open for primarily local visitors, strict rules including Mor Chana app required

PHOTO: Sophon Cable TV

Koh Larn, Banglamung, Chonburi –

Koh Larn will be opened for visitors with strict Covid -19 measurements, said the Pattaya City Mayor and Chonburi Public Relations page today.

Mayor Sonthaya Khunploem told The Pattaya News earlier today, “An order from the Koh Larn council regarding the closure of the island will end today (January 20th). Koh Larn has now zero confirmed Covid – 19 cases as a result of the closure for about the past two weeks.”

The island had been closed by request of the Koh Larn village council due to rising concern about cases of Covid-19 in the Chonburi area and after a timeline showed that at least one infected person had visited the ticket booth to the island near the start of this month. However, no infections were found in island residents who underwent a strict closure, including restrictions on travel around the island at night. The island relies almost entirely on tourism, mostly domestic now, for their income.  The island residents have significant control over decisions regarding the island which is why they requested the closure which was approved by the Pattaya Mayor and Chonburi governor.

PHOTO: Sophon Cable TV

“The Koh Larn local committee has not filed any extension of a closure request to the Chonburi Government.” Mayor Sonthaya continued in a discussion with our reporters earlier today.

“Koh Larn will be allowed to open for tourists again from January 21st.” The Mayor stated.

“However, we still need final approval from the Chonburi Communicable Disease Control Committee.” The Mayor continued. (Editor’s note: Chonburi PR posted this poster below and some rules seemingly confirming the decision around 9:30 PM this evening.)

 

“For Pattaya, we have zero cases but we are still strictly keeping our guard high on Covid – 19 measurements as well as on Koh Larn.” The Mayor said.

As listed by Chonburi Public Relations, Mor Chana will be required for all visitors to the island and they will need to show proof of the application downloaded and that they are green or yellow status on their phone before travel. Rules that apply under the highly controlled status of Chonburi and the emergency decree, like closures of entertainment venues, will also apply to the island according to officials. It is unclear if exceptions on the Mor Chana application will be given to those without a phone. Additionally, the province warned that Chonburi is still highly controlled and travel to the province should only be for essential reasons, therefore they may check to ensure visitors to the island are local residents and not from out of town before allowing access.

The stricter rules, according to the poster above, are set to apply until at least January 31st. Ferry times are below, the top times are going to Pattaya and the bottom times are going to Koh Larn:

“The situation is getting better in Chonburi. It is expected that relief for other closures and restrictions will be given soon. We know how difficult things are for local business owners and workers but must ensure the situation is truly safe before lifting restrictions.” The Mayor concluded.

PHOTO: Sophon Cable TV

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Goongnang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for many years and has worked with The Pattaya News for more than four years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.