Bars and pubs in Bangkok to remain closed but it's good news for pub goers in the rest of Thailand - Thai Visa News

Bars and pubs in Bangkok to remain closed but it's good news for pub goers in the rest of Thailand

 

 

It is bad news for pub goers in Bangkok with Thailand's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday that bars and pubs in the capital will remain closed.

 

However, in most other provinces bars and pubs have been given the green light to open, in some  cases without restrictions and in others, with closing required at 11pm.

 

According to CCSA spokesperson Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, Samut Sakhon will remain under highest level of restrictions (dark red zone).  Bangkok will also remain a Maximum Controlled zone (red zone)

 

And while some businesses can reopen, bars, pubs and other nighttime entertainment venues in Bangkok must remain closed. Restaurants are permitted open but must close by 11pm and no alcohol can be served. Massage parlours, gyms and fitness centres are allowed to re-open with social  distancing measures in place.

 

Image: Video screenshot

 

The 10 provinces in the Controlled Zone (orange zone), restaurants, bars and pubs can re-open and serve alcohol but only until 11pm. Live music  can be played but dancing is not permitted.

 

For the 17 provinces in the Maximum Surveillance Zone (yellow zone), restaurants, bars and pubs can re-open and serve alcohol until midnight.

 

For the remaining 35 provinces (green zone) almost all restrictions have been lifted.

 

The relaxing of all measures is expected to come into effect on 1st Feb, but may differ slightly from province to province.

 

This is a developing story, this post will be updated without notice. 

29/1

 

More infections linked to 'DJ Matoom' - Bangkok Post

More infections linked to 'DJ Matoom'

Matoom: Under pressure

Celebrities are facing more pressure to be transparent and announce their full timelines before they tested positive for Covid-19.

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) is stepping up action against people involved with the birthday party of actor Techin Ploypetch, also known as "DJ Matoom", after more Covid-19 infections were linked to the event.

Mr Techin is himself in hospital being treated for the coronavirus, with some media reports making reference to a "super spreader" and efforts allegedly made to conceal his infection.

The DDC has asked the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to prosecute infected people who conceal their timelines.

Apisamai Srirangsun, assistant spokeswoman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), announced the department's move on Thursday.

At the same time, she updated the number of Covid-19 cases linked to the celebrity DJ's illegal party bash, saying there were now 26 confirmed Covid-19 infections and 113 at-risk people.

Another 53 were considered at low risk of infection but the figures could rise, she said.

"These people at high and low risk have visited many places, including hotels and restaurants. Disease control officials are concerned because information from these people is inconsistent, even though they visited the same places. Some even concealed information," Dr Apisamai said.

"The disease could spread farther, and it could be too late to control it."

The Disease Control Department told the BMA that people who concealed information were breaking several laws, including the Communicable Disease Act, the Executive Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations to control Covid-19, and the Criminal Code for giving false information to officials.

Legal action could be taken against those in charge of Mr Techin's party for violating the ban on crowded gatherings, as well as partygoers, who also breached the state of emergency.

Such offences carried a prison term of up to two years and/or a fine of 40,000 baht, Dr Apisamai said, pointing out that the case would be handled in a way that would be a lesson for future habits, urban lifestyles and Covid-19 control.

Meanwhile, a police officer who tested positive for the virus told the media that he had fully informed officials about his timeline and wondered why the BMA had said he was concealing the information.

Hotels and tourism attractions have closure order officially issued for Chonburi, schools officially re-open next Monday - Pattaya News

Hotels and tourism attractions have closure order officially issued for Chonburi, schools officially re-open next Monday

Thursday, 28 January 2021, 20:55

Chonburi-

The Chonburi Governor tonight (January 28^th) has issued an official order to temporarily close all hotels (as well as hotel-related venues like guesthouses, resorts, etc.) and tourism attractions (that were not previously forced closed by Covid-19 measures) in Chonburi. Please read the bottom of this article before panicking as to the reason behind this order.

The closure follows the Chonburi governor Phakkhrathon Thianchai this week accepting a request from the Eastern Hotels Association to temporarily close all hotels.

Read more about our previous story in the link below.

https://thepattayanews.com/2021/01/26/chonburi-governor-agrees-to-temporarily-close-all-hotels-and-provide-financial-remedies-to-hotel-operators-affected-by-covid-19-coronavirus-still-needs-final-ccsa-prime-minister-approval/

The order stated, "All hotels and tourism places both government and non- government are ordered to temporarily close until further notice."

"Hotels and operators must help their staffers and stress this is temporary, meant to help with financial aid, so they don't leave the province in large numbers."

"Any hotel or tourism place operator who does not want to close can file a document to the district chief officer in the area within seven days from now. Those who wish to remain open and have customers or those who have special reasons for staying open (like quarantine hotels) can do so but must inform their district officials."

This afternoon the Chonburi governor Phakkhrathon Thianchai has also issued another order which allow schools to open, which we previously reported on yesterday. This order makes it official that all schools (along with tutors, educational institutions, etc.) will be able to launch again on Monday, February 1st.

This order is not because of any potential danger of the Covid-19 coronavirus or renewed spread. Hotel and tourism attraction owners who had not been previously forced closed have been asking for weeks for formal closures from the Chonburi government. This order is more of a "symbolic" closure and allows both staff and the hotel to collect social security benefits for the period of time affected by the Covid-19 coronavirus, essentially providing well-needed funds for an estimated 30,000 people who have been out of work since the end of last year due to domestic travel restrictions.

These closures will not affect any other loosening of restrictions and measures expected to take place in the near future and as stated above hotels and tourist attractions can "opt-out" of the closure if they choose to do so. We advise you to check with your hotel if traveling to the area in the near future or staying in one currently to see if they will be taking place in the order. It is also likely hotels will be able to "close" but allow current guests to stay. Quarantine hotels will not be affected.

Both orders are effective immediately today. The order is until further notice.

Chonburi is now at eight days in a row with no new confirmed Covid-19 cases - Pattaya News

Chonburi is now at eight days in a row with no new confirmed Covid-19 cases

Friday, 29 January 2021, 6:44

Chonburi-

The Chonburi Department of Public Health this morning (January 29th) announced zero new confirmed cases of the Covid-19 Coronavirus for the eighth day in a row in the province. Chonburi now has a total of 648 cases of Covid-19 with one death.

In the past eleven days only one case of Covid-19 has been discovered in Chonburi and all of their contacts have been reportedly traced and tested negative.

This person was a migrant worker who visited the Chonburi Provincial Employment Office.

Full testing was done on both the camp where the person lives and the office and two full rounds of testing have shown all contacts of the person as negative for Covid-19.

The Chonburi Provincial Employment Office reopened yesterday for the public.

Discussion on potentially easing more restrictions and measures around Covid-19 is expected as early as today (But there are no guarantees or promises).

Massage shops and tattoo artists were allowed to reopen two days ago by the Chonburi governor. Additionally, the Ministry of Education announced school reopening for next Monday, February 1st, including in Chonburi. A large meeting with the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration is due later today that will be officially discussing easing more restrictions around Covid-19.

Keep in mind, there is no promise of easing of business closures or other measures as health officials continue to stress caution. However, a draft proposal shown two days ago by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration shows Chonburi proposed to become a regulated orange zone instead of a "deep red" highly controlled zone which would in theory stop strict travel restrictions requiring formal permission to enter and leave the province. We will have a full update following the meeting.

Chonburi has also ordered the closure of hotels and tourist attractions effective yesterday in a "symbolic administrative closure" that allows staff and hotels to collect social security and financial aid for the roughly month period of time that travel restrictions have been in place, bringing domestic travel to zero. It's important to note venues can opt out of this by informing district officials if they choose and the closure has nothing to do with more cases of Covid-19, etc. Hotels had been asking for this closure for weeks.

Teacher arrested for alleged sexual abuse on a minor in Bang Saen - Pattaya News

Teacher arrested for alleged sexual abuse on a minor in Bang Saen

Thursday, 28 January 2021, 22:18

Bang Saen –

A teacher has been arrested today (January 28^th) for allegedly sexually abusing an underage female student at his tutoring school in Bang Saen.

New TV.co.th reports that the Sane Suk Police was notified of the incident with alleged video evidence.

The video, according to law enforcement who has seen it, reportedly appears to show the teacher touching a 15-year-old female student's breast and allegedly moving his hand into her skirt while she was playing on her mobile phone.

Local residents nearby said this tutoring school has been opened for more than ten years with the suspect working there.

An arrest warrant was issued for the tutoring teacher, named in the associated press only as Terdsak, 59, who is also the owner of the tutoring school.

He is being accused of 'committing an indecent act to a person over fifteen years of age by threatening with any means'.

The suspect has allegedly admitted the charge, according to Bang Saen police. The name of the school was not immediately released as the case is still under investigation as well as to see if there were potentially any more victims.

Business Class is available from SEK 9 999 and First Class from SEK 17 999 to popular destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro. - Business Class.se

Special Offer: Lufthansa and SWISS companion fares make a return

henrik.hanevold

Lufthansa and SWISS are once again offering great fares for two or more people travelling together. Business Class is available from SEK 9 999 and First Class from SEK 17 999 to popular destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro.

Vaccines are being rolled out. As the world starts travelling again, the Lufthansa and SWISS campaigns offer a great opportunity to plan ahead. The companion fares are available for booking until 14th February, with travel dates extending until 10th December, 2021. This is the perfect opportunity to impress your loved one with a luxury-holiday surprise on Valentine´s Day!

The offer is bookable only when two adults travel together on the same outbound and return flights. There is no minimum stay requirement, but the maximum stay is three months. Availability in Business Class is quite generous, while First Class tends to fill up more quickly due to the limited number of seats.

Fare examples per person:

– Hong Kong from SEK 22 999
– Singapore from SEK 22 999
– Johannesburg from SEK 23 999
– Shanghai from SEK 24 999

See more destinations and book directly from Lufthansa
Read more about Lufthansa First Class

SWISS First Class
– Dubai from SEK 17 999
– Shanghai from SEK 19 999
– Bangkok from SEK 20 499
– Hong Kong from SEK 20 499
– Singapore from SEK 22 999

See more destinations and book directly from SWISS
Read more about SWISS First Class

 

Lufthansa Business Class
– Dubai from SEK 9 999
– Singapore from SEK 10 999
– Bangkok from SEK 11 999
– Shanghai from SEK 11 999
– Hong Kong from SEK 13 999
– Rio de Janeiro from SEK 14 999

See more destinations and book directly from Lufthansa
Read more about Lufthansa Business Class

SWISS Business Class
– Dubai from SEK 9 999
– Singapore from SEK 10 999
– Bangkok from SEK 11 999
– Mumbai from SEK 13 999

See more destinations and book directly from SWISS
Read more about SWISS Business Class



Thailand's Covid-19 Vaccination Drive Delayed as Production Delays Prompt EU Export-Ban Threat - Bangkok Herald

Thailand's Covid-19 Vaccination Drive Delayed as Production Delays Prompt EU Export-Ban Threat

28 January 2021

AstraZeneca's manufacturing facility at Snackviken in Sodertalje, Sweden.

Thailand's already lagging coronavirus-vaccination campaign suffered another delay Thursday as a British-Swedish pharmaceutical developer AstraZeneca continued to feud with the European amid critical production setbacks.

Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said this afternoon that "shipment delays" may force the postponement of Thailand's vaccination drive, which was planned for Feb. 14. However, Anutin said he was confident it would begin at some point next month.

The writing had been on the wall since early this week that Thailand's first 50,000 doses of the AstraZeneca drug would be delayed as a fight between the EU and the drugmaker exploded across world headlines, with the Stella Kyriakides, the EU's health commissioner, on Tuesday threatening to ban exports of its vaccines outside of Europe due to AstraZeneca's failure to deliver promised numbers of doses to the continent.

Kyriakides accused the firm of exporting vaccine to the U.K. and other nations even as it was unable to meet its EU commitments.

The 50,000 AstraZeneca doses Thailand was set to receive next week are being manufactured at the company's Italian factory, which has suffered major production delays.

EU and AstraZeneca officials met Wednesday, but failed to end the crisis with as Brussels again blasting the company's "continued lack of clarity" on its delivery schedule and demanded a clear plan.

While both sides called the emergency talks "constructive", they did little to resolve the dispute over whether the company should deliver tens of millions more doses to the EU than AstraZeneca feels it is obligated to in this first quarter of the year.

The European Commission on Wednesday demanded AstraZeneca use production from its UK plants make up shortfalls in its EU deliveries. AstraZeneca contends its contracts only require the drugmaker to make its "best effort" to meet promised quotas.

EU officials said AstraZeneca now plans to deliver only a quarter of the 100 million doses first expected in the first quarter.

The company has blamed the shortfall on supply-chain problems and has insisted that – contrary to EU assertions – it has not diverted doses to other countries.

But whether due to those manufacturing problems in Italy or EU pressure, Thailand is going to pay the price, delaying perhaps by weeks the start of a vaccination problem already imperiled by the government's heavy-handed crackdown of a pro-democracy activist who questioned AstraZeneca's cozy relationship with the Crown Property Bureau's Siam Bioscience Co.

AstraZeneca officials in Thailand reportedly confirmed to British media that the lese majeste charges filed against Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit has not altered its plans to make the drug in Thailand after reports it had been reconsidering the arrangement out of fear of being dragged into Thai politics.

Siam Bioscience won the no-bid contract for exclusive rights to manufacture the AstraZeneca vaccine locally starting in May. Before then, the company was supposed to receive 50,000 doses from Italy to allow Thailand to begin vaccination front-line medical personnel, seniors and those with risky contacts to Covid-19 patients.

That plan, however, calls for inoculation of 19 million people, something the country will be unable to accomplish until at least the end of the summer based on its current vaccine-purchase commitments.



Legal action likely over celebrity DJ's Covid-spreading party - Bangkok Post

Legal action likely over celebrity DJ's Covid-spreading party

Techin Ploypetch, aka DJ Matoom, posted this picture from his hospital room, where he has been quarantined after catching Covid-19. Techin was born in Germany in January 1988 but raised in Thailand. (Photo: @matoom_efm Twitter account)

The Disease Control Department has asked the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to take legal action against people involved with the birthday party of actor Techin Ploypetch, also known as DJ Matoom, after more Covid-19 infections were linked to the celebration.

Techin, 33, is himself in hospital being treated for the coronavirus disease, with some Thai media reports making reference to a "super spreader" and efforts to conceal his infection. 

Apisamai Srirangsan, assistant spokeswoman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, announced the department's move on Thursday.

At the same time, she updated the number of Covid-19 cases linked to the celebrity DJ's illegal party bash at a Bangkok hotel.

She said there were now 26 people confirmed infected with Covid-19 and 113 at-risk people. 

Another 53 were considered at low-risk of infection, but the figures could rise,  she said.

"These people at high and low risk have visited many places, including hotels and restaurants... Disease control officials are concerned, because information from these people is inconsistent although they visited the same places, and some even concealed their information," she said.

"The disease could spread farther, and it could be too late to control it."

The Disease Control Department told the BMA that people who concealed information violated several laws, including the Communicable Disease Act, the Executive Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations to control Covid-19, and the Criminal Code for giving false information to officials.

Legal action could target those in charge of the party for violating the ban on crowded gatherings to help control the disease, as well as partygoers, who also breached the executive decree.

Such offences carried a prison term of up to two years and/or fine of 40,000 baht, Dr Apisamai said.

The case would be handled in a way that would be a lesson for future habits, urban lifestyle and Covid-19 control, she said. 

Thai mulls further extension to rehabilitation plan submission - Flightglobal.com

Thai mulls further extension to rehabilitation plan submission

Thai Airways International is considering another extension on the deadline to submit its restructuring plan, this time until the end of February or beginning of March.

On 5 January, the flag carrier said it had been granted a one-month extension to a previous deadline of 2 January to submit its rehabilitation plan, with the new deadline being 2 February. In a 26 January update on its restructuring, it says its rehabilitation planners are considering an additional one-month extension "according to the legal framework".

On 13 January, the carrier's president Chansin Treenuchagron said it was working "diligently" on the plan to ensure it would be submitted by its "specified timeframe". Cirium has contacted Thai Airways for comment.

Thai's planners are considering extending the deadline again after having discussions with creditors "from several classes", the company says in its latest update. An extension would ensure the airline can "generate an optimal financial plan".

Thai's rehabilitation plan consists of a business plan and a financial plan. Initiatives under the former, which Thai says is "almost complete", include granting voluntary unpaid leave and "making sacrifices for the organisation projects in order to decrease the company's hiring expenses". The financial plan includes debt and capital restructuring.

"After receiving the opinions from several classes of creditors, it appeared that Thai received good feedback in that most creditors were in favour of the principle of the rehabilitation plan. In addition, the creditors provided useful comments for the preparation of the rehabilitation plan," it says.

Thai is now in the process of "thoroughly" checking all applications for debt repayment submitted by creditors.

"Meanwhile, a financial model must be established as a guideline to determine the pattern of capital and debt arrangements [that] need to be set up for the allocation of debt repayment to be presented for creditors' consideration," it adds.

Once the rehabilitation plan is complete, the official receiver will send a copy of the plan to creditors for their consideration and approval in a creditors' meeting, a process that could take around one and a half months, Thai says. Once creditors have approved it, the Central Bankruptcy Court must give a final verdict.

"All of Thai's staff and management team are pleased and determined to provide cooperation in order to support the preparation of the rehabilitation plan for success. Despite the challenges in operating the business, all of Thai's staff heed this matter and are committed to continuously reduce expenses and increase the revenue of Thai," the airline says.

"Moreover, Thai has received cooperation from all relevant and concerned persons, as well as creditors, partners, and customers who are vital for the success of the preparation of the rehabilitation plan," it adds.

"The planner asserts that the rehabilitation plan would be well regarded and successful, as the creditors will receive the repayment of debt in fairness. Thai expects to resume full operations in the near future."



Thailand mulls lifting restrictions on restaurants, sales of alcoholic drinks, live music performances - Pattaya Mail

Thailand mulls lifting restrictions on restaurants, sales of alcoholic drinks, live music performances

Pattaya MailJanuary 28, 2021

The committee on COVID-19 related business restriction measures discussed the relaxation of disease control measures to facilitate some businesses including restaurants, the sales of alcoholic drinks and live music performances. (Photo – live music performance at a Pattaya Walking Street pub prior to certain activities ban)

Bangkok – Disease control authorities will propose to maintain Samut Sakhon as the only province under maximum and strict COVID-19 control.



Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said that CCSA's committee on COVID-19 related business restriction measures discussed the relaxation of disease control measures to facilitate some businesses including restaurants, the sales of alcoholic drinks and live music performances.

CCSA spokesman Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, said that the committee resolved to propose the reduction of maximum and strict COVID-19 control zones from the five provinces of Samut Sakhon, Rayong, Chonburi, Chanthaburi and Trat to only Samut Sakhon.

The committee resolved to propose the reduction of maximum and strict COVID-19 control zones from the five provinces of Samut Sakhon, Rayong, Chonburi, Chanthaburi and Trat to only one province – Samut Sakhon.

Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani will remain as maximum control zones.

All businesses and activities will continuously be suspended in Samut Sakhon, except flea markets and restaurants that should open until 9pm for take-outs only.

Schools can reopen nationwide except those in Samut Sakhon. Schools in Bangkok and its outskirts will be subject to COVID-19 control measures including alternated classes and social distancing.

CCSA will make a final decision on the proposed measures, Dr Taweesilp said. (TNA) 

Thailand: Full & free travel will be ‘THING OF THE PAST’ - Bangkok Jack / Bloomberg

Thailand: Full & free travel will be 'THING OF THE PAST'

January 28, 2021

An empty beach in Phuket, Thailand.

Thailand's tourism-revival strategy is to target big spenders seeking privacy and social distancing in the COVID-19 era, rather than try to attract a large number of visitors.

The pandemic provides an opportunity to reset the sector, which had become reliant on Chinese groups and backpackers.

Once the country's borders are reopened and so-called travel bubbles are agreed upon, marketing efforts will be geared toward wealthier individuals who want holidays with minimal risks, Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said in an interview.

The government will initially allow a small number of arrivals, such as some business executives and medical tourists.

It is also working with the travel industry to identify and invite individuals in target demographics, which will probably include previous visitors to luxury resorts in the islands of Phuket, Samui, Phangan and Phi Phi, the minister said. Phuket is "a prototype" because it has all the needed facilities.

People will be required to pass COVID-19 screenings before traveling and upon arriving, choose a single resort island and remain for a minimum period of time.

The "high-end visitors" will be able to travel freely while they're on the island and be allowed to leave for home or other destinations in Thailand once the minimum 14 days have passed.

The country plans to court such visitors, possibly during the winter months of November-February when European and American travelers seek out warmer climates, Phiphat said.

"One person can easily spend as much as five by staying at the finest hotels," he said, adding that full and free travel should become a "thing of the past."

"If we don't use this chance to create the most benefit for the industry, Thailand will lose out," he said. "This is an opportunity to reset the entire tourism system." – Bloomberg

28/1



Public, private firms can now apply to grow hemp - The Nation

Public, private firms can now apply to grow hemp

Thailand's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will allow government agencies, private companies, farmers and the public to apply to grow hemp from January 29 after the Public Health Ministry removed the plant species from the category V narcotics list in November.

According to ministerial regulations, the import of hemp seeds for growing will be allowed within five years after being removed from the narcotics list.

"People can apply to grow hemp for any purpose – commercial, medical, educational, research or for traditional use," said FDA vice secretary-general Supattra Boonserm.

"Hemp fibre and its oil extract are also allowed for use as material or ingredients in the textile, food and beverage, food supplementary, and cosmetics industries," she said.

Supattra said candidates must apply in the area in which they wish to grow hemp. Bangkok residents can apply at the FDA's head office, while residents in other provinces must apply at their provincial public health offices.

"On February 2, the FDA will run an online training course via Facebook Live @FDAThai on how to apply for growing hemp and how to register health-related products made from hemp. For more information, contact tel 02-590-7771-3," she added.