The following is a weekly feature article looking at this same time period LAST year in Pattaya and Thailand news.
Thailand-
This weekly feature takes a look back at news from the same period last year (and sometimes different time windows, such as six months or three months) to see how things have changed, following up on the progression of stories, as well as look at potentially broken promises or things that didn't take place as promised in Pattaya and Thailand.
As we publish dozens of stories a week this is a quick way for people to take a look at what the biggest stories were a year ago, as chosen by our editorial team, and how they impact us today and relate to current news. They are in no particular order of importance, however, are roughly in order of publication.
This week, we cover the fourth week of March 2021, from Sunday, March 21st, 2021, to Saturday, March 27th, 2021.
Let's go!
1. Dozens injured and arrested at Bangkok protests
Last year spirited protests continued in Bangkok, sparked by different groups and some with competing interests. This was one of the more violent and intense ones, although most had been peaceful prior.
2. Complaints rise about homeless in Pattaya as debate swirls around how to deal with the situation
A tragic side effect of the Covid-19 pandemic for the past two years. Pattaya officials did not make it better by rounding up the homeless and removing them from visible tourist areas later in the week.
3. Minister of Tourism visits Pattaya to discuss "Sandbox" program
Of course, ultimately, Pattaya was not the first choice, Phuket was, and another round of Covid-19 cases starting in April ground everything to a halt once again.
4. Pattaya holds a kite festival instead of Songkran water fights
This year, the city is waiting for a final decision from relevant authorities on if water could be allowed to be used as an exception for play in Pattaya. That may come today, March 28th. If not, however, this year will be dry for the third year in a row.
Pattaya to hold 'Kite on the Beach 2021' festival during Songkran period to boost domestic tourism
5. Hurry up opening the country fully to tourism, says prominent tourism and business associations
A year later, the country is STILL not fully opened and now behind many other countries around the world that have fewer restrictions and rules and paperwork and testing to enter. Thailand is cautiously aiming for June or July to "fully" open.
That is it for this week! Stay safe and take care of yourselves and each other!