Notes from Thai Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Restrictions/Measures press conference: (Full article later) Announced by Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan, Assistant Spokesperson: -All current zone colors/designations stay the same. Still 29 maximum control provinces, no zone has been downgraded or upgraded. A note: These colors are NOT just based on cases but multiple factors like vaccination levels, population at-risk, hospital capacity, serious Covid-19 cases, etc. Pattaya News

 Notes from Thai Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Restrictions/Measures press conference: (Full article later)

Announced by Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan, Assistant Spokesperson:

-All current zone colors/designations stay the same. Still 29 maximum control provinces, no zone has been downgraded or upgraded. A note: These colors are NOT just based on cases but multiple factors like vaccination levels, population at-risk, hospital capacity, serious Covid-19 cases, etc.

-Keep in mind all changes announced by the CCSA MUST BE APPROVED BY THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR before becoming effective. Provinces CAN strengthen restrictions, but cannot ease them below the CCSA mandates. This is likely to happen sometime over the weekend.

-All the measures listed below take effect September 1st for maximum control/dark red zones, which includes Chonburi and Bangkok (If approved by governors)

-Parks can reopen (Beaches is not a CCSA mandate, this would be a governor level decision)

-Curfew time remains 9:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M in maximum control zones. This remains a mandatory curfew, not a suggested one, with legal penalties for those who break the rules.

-Inter provincial travel will be allowed, further rules coming on this as there will be "strict measures". Public transport is limited to 75% of capacity.

-Government will be implementing the "universal prevention program" which means staff and customers in maximum control zones at "high risk venues" like restaurants must be fully (details coming) vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or have a rapid antigen negative covid test within 7 days. Regular testing (more details later) must also still take place for all staff.

-There will be a green card for those fully vaccinated in maximum control zones and a yellow card for those who take a negative test or have recovered from Covid with proof. If you do not qualify you cannot use a high-risk business, like restaurants.

-Red zones down do not require customers or staff to be vaccinated. In red zones, however, staff should be taking a rapid antigen test every week in high-risk businesses.

-Restaurants can open to 50% capacity (75 percent no air con or outside) with Universal protection program in place. (Maximum control zones, if approved by governor)

-Malls, salons, foot massages, beauty clinic (only sales) outdoor sports fields(see below) can reopen in maximum control zones (Again, if governors approve). It is not immediately clear if all of these will be considered high risk as with restaurants which if so would require customers and staff to be fully vaccinated or perform negative rapid antigen tests. Getting more information on this.

-No spectators for outdoor sports fields and strict rules apply at stadiums, etc.

-Businesses can provide rapid antigen tests for customers in maximum control zones if they choose to check before using the service. If a customer is not fully vaccinated or does not want to take a test they can only use take-away for restaurants.

-All bars, nightlife, entertainment, etc. remain closed nationwide, at this time even with the universal protection measures they are not comfortable opening these venues.

-cinemas, spas, amusement parks, water parks, fitness centers, gyms, swimming pools, meeting/banquet rooms cannot open at this time. If it wasn't mentioned, it likely can't open, although detailed orders as usual will be released at a later date.

-Certain educational buildings can open for approved purposes, but general school will still be closed for in-person.

-It was not specifically mentioned if alcohol can be drunk at restaurants if one meets the other rules. That will likely be on upcoming orders.

-This will be until further notice, likely another review in two weeks. (mid September)

This is still a developing story, as more details come in and we sort through them we will publish them. We know there are MANY questions, but keep in mind this information is so new it may take time to get all the answers, especially around being vaccinated at restaurants and if it applies to other venues, etc. They stressed that the rules are strict but will be gradually eased as the situation improves.