Tighter Covid-19 restrictions in Thailand
From the beginning of May 2021, Thailand will be facing new Covid-19 restrictions: with six provinces – including Bangkok – now considered as “dark red” zones, previously shortened quarantine periods for those arriving in the Kingdom will return to 14 days and WFH policies reinstated.
More Covid-19 updates:
- Department stores to become vaccination sites
- “Soft” curfews implemented in eight Thai provinces
- “Sputnik V” and “Pfizer” Covid-19 vaccines to arrive
New restrictions from 1st May
On 29th April 2021, spokesperson of Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), Taweesilp Visanuyothin announced a series of Covid-19 updates in Thailand, including measures like: a return to 14-day quarantine period for all international arrivals, a fine for those who are not wearing masks in public, the implementation of Work From Home “WFH” for government and private organisations for at least the next 14 days, as well as new zoning areas and their restrictions.
Image credit: The Thaiger
New “dark red zones” – maximum and strict controlled areas – include Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan with new restrictions as follows:
- The prohibition of public gatherings with over 20 people
- Cafes and restaurants are only allowed takeout services until 9PM
- Gyms, fitness centres, and stadiums to close whereas outdoor sports facilities can stay open until 9PM
- Shopping malls are allowed to open until 9PM, but entertainment facilities such as cinemas and arcades are to be closed for the time being
There are now 45 provinces marked as “red zones” – maximum controlled areas – and the regulations include:
- The prohibition of public gatherings with over 50 people
- Restaurants are allowed dine-in services until 9PM and takeout services until 11PM
- Shopping malls are allowed to open until 11PM
As for the 26 “orange zones”, or controlled areas, the regulations allow shopping malls and restaurants’ dine-in services until 11PM.
Pause on alcohol sales at restaurants and bars will become nationwide along with the temporary closure of schools and entertainment venues. Despite no public gatherings, people will still be allowed to hold important events such as funerals.
Additionally, seven more Thai provinces have implemented “soft curfews” with details as follows:
- Chai Nat, 11PM-4AM
- Nakhon Nayok, 11PM-4AM
- Nakhon Pathom, 11PM-4AM
- Phetchaburi, 11PM-4AM
- Yala, 10PM-4AM
- Ranong, 10PM-4AM
“No lockdown” policy
Despite Thailand’s insistence on no lockdowns or official curfews, it is doing its best to curb the spread with stricter Covid-19 measures on the roll.
Covid-19 related news:
- PM Prayut fined for not wearing face mask
- Attractions closed due to Covid-19
- Thai patients get hemiparesis from “Sinovac” vaccine
Cover images adapted from: Pixabay (Left), Fit Tripper (Right)
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