Bangkok to open some public venues
UPDATES: On 30th January 2021, Mr. Aswin Kwanmuang, Bangkok Governor has announced the reopening of venues in Bangkok that were previously closed due to the surge of Covid-19 cases. The governor emphasised that these decisions are in line with the guidelines set by The Centre For Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and that establishments must follow measures implemented by the administration. The order approved by the committee’s comes into effect on February 1st 2021, as reported by The Nation Thailand. The updates are listed in bold below.
On 21st January 2021, Police Lieutenant Colonel Phongsakorn Kwanmuang from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced a relaxation of Covid-19 rules. Effective 22nd January, previously-closed establishments like massage parlours, gyms and arcades will be allowed to operate under certain restrictions.
Must obey protocols
According to The Standard, the BMA assured the public that this decision is in line with the Bangkok Communicable Disease Committee. Below is a list of places allowed to operate, and their safety protocols.
- Arcades
- Attendees and staff must wear a mask at all times
- High-touch surfaces, like games, must be cleaned frequently
- Internet cafes
- Attendees and staff must wear a mask at all times
- High-touch surfaces, like keyboards, mouses, monitors, and tables must be cleaned frequently
- Nursing Homes
- Activities must be limited
- Contact between residents is discouraged
- Competition venues except for boxing stadiums, horse racing venues
- Absolutely no observers will be allowed
- Banquet Facilities and similar settings, but no buffets allowed
- No more than 100 people are allowed at once
- The serving of alcohol and dancing are not permitted
- Gatherings of over 300 people must be authorised by the BMA
- Buddhist Amulet Stores
- There can only be a limited number of patrons in the store at one time
- Beauty Parlours (those that haven’t been certified as medical clinics) such as tattoo parlours and piercing places
- Attendees and staff must wear a mask at all times
- High touch surfaces must be frequently cleaned
- Fitness Centres
- Trainers are not yet allowed to train due to proximity
- Must maintain a radius of 2 metres from other athletes at all times
- Health Establishments, like spas and massage parlours
- Both providers and patrons must wear a mask at all times
- Boxing-Specific Training Grounds including gyms and camps
- Only shadow boxing is permitted – no sparring
- No competition or spectators allowed
- Bowling Lanes, Skating Rinks and Similar Establishments
- No competition or spectators allowed
- Dance studios and schools
- No competition or spectators allowed
- Martial Arts Schools and Gyms
- No competition or spectators allowed
- Restaurants
- Dine-in services allowed until 11 PM
- Guests can order alcohol as takeaway
- Department stores can resume normal hours,
- Advised against organising events that promote large crowds
- Exhibition and convention halls
- Meeting rooms
- 100 participants maximum
- Both indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Museums, historical sites, and botanical gardens
- Lakes can resume hosting aquatic activities
- Schools
- Pet shops, pet grooming establishments and pet hotels
- Theatres and playhouses
The story is still developing, stay tuned for updates.
Featured image adapted from: Bangkok Fitness, Medium, Gym Membership Fees
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