Thailand's CLOWN SHOW has agreed more Lockdown easing
Thailand's Clown Show, otherwise known as the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), has agreed on further easing of lockdown restrictions in 'dark red' provinces.
This includes the adjustment of curfew hours and shortening mandatory quarantine for fully inoculated foreign arrivals.
Informed government sources say that the proposal will be submitted to the full meeting of the CCSA, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, on Monday.
The sources disclosed that, at its meeting on Thursday, the operations centre resolved to adjust curfew hours to 10pm to 4am, and ease restrictions on ten types of business activities and venues, including:
• Centres for children or pre-school child • Museums, historical or archaeological sites • Learning or science and cultural centres and art galleries • Manicure shops • Tattoo, massage and spa parlours • Cinemas • Restaurants with a live band with air circulation systems meeting "COVID-free setting standard • Consumer product sections of malls, hypermarkets, outdoor stadia and convenience stores opening hours extended to 9pm
The sources said that the proposed easing of lockdown restrictions is expected to come into force on October 1st, if the measures are endorsed by the CCSA on Monday.
An extension of the state of emergency, until the end of November, will be proposed at the same meeting, as will the postponement of the reopening of Bangkok, Chon Buri (Pattaya, Bang Lamung and Sattahip), Chiang Mai (Muaeng, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng and Doi Tao districts), Prachuap Khiri Khan ( Hua Hin) and Phetchaburi (Cha-am) until November 1st.
Most people still see no one suitable for prime minister's post: Nida Poll
While most people still see no-one suitable for the post of prime minister in the current situation, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is still on top of potential candidates for the post in a quarterly political popularity survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
The survey for the third quarter of 2021 was conducted with telephone interviews on 2,018 people aged 18 and above of various levels of education and occupations in all regions during Sept 20-23.
Asked who they would support for the prime minister's post in the current situation, the answers varied:
- 32.61% said no-one was suitable for the post; - 17.54% were for Gen Prayut; - 11.15% for Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan of the Thai Sang Thai Party; - 11.05% for Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party; - 9.07% for Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temiyaves, leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party; - 7.48% no answers/not interested; - 2.58% for Korn Chatikavanij, leader of the Kla Party; - 2.33% for Sompong Amornvivat, leader of the Pheu Thai Party; - 1.54% for Jurin Laksanavisit, leader of the Democrat Party; - 1.24% for Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party; and - A combined 3.41% were for many other political figures including Abhisit Vejjajiva, Mingkwan Saengsuwan, Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, Wan Muhamad Nor Matha, Kanchana Silpa-archa, Chadchart Sittipunt, Tewan Liptapanlop, Chuan Leekpai and Narongsak Osotthanakorn.
Asked to name a political party they were for today, the answers varied:
- 30.82% not for any particular party; - 22.50% Pheu Thai Party; - 15.11% Move Forward Party; - 9.51% Palang Pracharath Party; - 7.78% Democrat Party; - 4.86% no answers/not interested; - 2.68% Seri Ruam Thai Party; - 1.93% Thai Sang Thai Party; - 1.39% Kla Party; - 1.14% Bhumjaithai Party; and - A combined 2.28% were for Pheu Chart, Chartthaipattana, Thai Pakdi, New Economics, Chart Pattana, Prachachart and Ruam Palang Prachachart
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration update today reported 11,975 new Covid-19 infections in Thailand along with 127 deaths, both lower than yesterday. Covid-19 data was relatively good over the last 24 hours as total patients in medical care (124,540), patients in ICUs (3,323), patients on ventilators (729), suspected infections by ATK test (2370), and infections in prisons (93) have all fallen since yesterday's data.
The total number of infections in Thailand since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic is 1,549,285 and with 14,700 recoveries over the past 24 hours, 1,408,821 have now recovered from Covid-19. A total of 16,143 people have died from the virus.
PROVINCIAL TOTALS
This week's daily Covid-19 figures from key tourism provinces.
The majority of provinces across Thailand experienced a decrease in Covid-19 infections over the last 24 hours. Notably, Surat Thani, home to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, as well as the Samui Plus reopening since July 15, saw a jump with 258 infections, surpassing Phuket whose numbers fell slightly to 221 today.
The Covid-19 totals from today's update for all 77 provinces in Thailand – plus the prison population which is calculated separately – can be found below from most to least infections.
Chonburi new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 drop to 744 with 4 new deaths
Highlights:
744 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today
995 people recovered and were released from medical care
4 new deaths
The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 744 new and confirmedcases of Covid-19 today with 4 new deaths, September 25th.
Additionally, 955 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 71,059 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.
This makes a total of 83,786 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 12,142 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 585 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's 4 new deaths were not given, which is standard for the health department.
The district-level new cases were as follows today:
Mueang Chonburi 186, Si Racha 169, Banglamung (Pattaya) 141, Panat Nikhom 31, Sattahip 43, Ban Bueang 23, Pan Thong 37, Bor Thong 4, Nong Yai 2, soldiers in Sattahip 59, and 49 people transferred from other provinces for medical care.
The details on the cases are as follows:
Cluster, soldiers in Sattahip, 30 cases
Cluster, conscript in Sattahip, 29 cases
Cluster, CSSG (Subcontract) in Pan Thong, 6 cases
Cluster, Meyer Industry company in Si Racha, 6 cases
Cluster, Yamato Chemicals company in Si Racha, 4 cases
Cluster, Wat Poethitat Ratchawittayalai School in Sri Racha,4 cases
Cluster, Eiw Garage in Mueang Chonburi, 5 cases
Cluster, construction site QMB in Ban Bueng, 4 cases
Many establishments in Rayong Province brought to Chonburi for medical care, 27 cases
A risky occupation, meeting a lot of people, 13 cases
Back from risky areas in Rayong, 4 cases
Close contacts of confirmed patients in the family – 237 cases, in workplaces – 117 cases, close friends – 28 cases and joined parties – 2 cases
Close contacts of confirmed patients (under investigation), 75 cases
151 cases are under investigation in general as to the cause of the disease
There are currently clusters of outbreaks in 75 establishments and five markets, 10 construction worker camps, and four communities.
Thai tourists relax on Pattaya beach in Chon Buri province. They have become Pattaya's only target group of visitors this high season, with the reopening to foreign travellers again delayed. (Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong)
Pattaya City and tour operators will target Thai tourists instead of foreigners during the approaching traditional high season, with the country's reopening to international travellers again delayed.
Pattaya mayor Sonthaya Khunplome said on Friday that the planned reopening of five tourist provinces, including Chon Buri, could be postponed from Oct 1 to Nov 1.
Most vaccinated people in those provinces had received only their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and the Public Health Ministry was concerned about public safety.
He said Pattaya City had already allocated budgets for events from October to the end of the year and he hoped they could attract Thai tourists.
Boon-anant Patanasin, president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, said there had been a clear policy to reopen more tourist provinces on Oct1, but the government was likely to postpone it.
That really confused tourists, who could not make plans for a vacation in Thailand, he said.
Tourism-based businesses in Pattaya were already prepared for the reopening. Without a clear schedule they would have to concentrate on attracting Thai tourists during annual high season, instead of foreign visitors, just to keep their operations afloat, Mr Boon-anant said.
On a monthly basis, there would be small events to draw domestic tourists to Pattaya. Many Thais visited Pattaya on weekends, he said.
Events would include fireworks shows, a food festival and the Loy Krathong and New Year festivals, Mr Boon-anant said.
Chonburi new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 rise to 897 with 7 new deaths
Highlights:
897 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today
811 people recovered and were released from medical care
7 new deaths
The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 897 new and confirmedcases of Covid-19 today with 7 new deaths, September 24th.
Additionally, 811 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 70,064 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.
This makes a total of 83,042 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 12,397 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 581 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's 7 new deaths were not given, which is standard for the health department.
The district-level new cases were as follows today:
Mueang Chonburi 198, Si Racha 195, Banglamung (Pattaya) 138, Panat Nikhom 34, Sattahip 52, Ban Bueang 60, Pan Thong 51, Bor Thong 15, Ko Chan 7, Nong Yai 2, new soldiers in Sattahip 64, and 81 people transferred from other provinces for medical care.
The details on the cases are as follows:
Cluster, soldiers in Sattahip, 51 cases
Cluster, conscript in Sattahip, 7 cases
Cluster at soldier area in Sattahip, 10 cases
Cluster, construction site of QMB company in Ban Bueng, 6 cases
Cluster, Sor Aluminum company in Si Racha, 6 cases
Cluster, TKS logistic company in Si Racha, 6 cases
Cluster, Apico Amata company in Pan Thong, 5 cases
Cluster, Exedy company in Mueang Chonburi, 4 cases
A risky occupation, meeting a lot of people, 26 cases
1 medical staff
Many establishments in Rayong Province brought to Chonburi for medical care, 56 cases
Back from risky areas in Bangkok – 1 case, Songkhla – 1 case, Chanthaburi – 1 case and Samut Prakan – 1 case
Close contacts of confirmed patients in the family – 240 cases, in workplaces – 200 cases, close friends – 27 cases and joined parties – 5 cases
Close contacts of confirmed patients (under investigation), 83 cases
162 cases are under investigation in general as to the cause of the disease
There are currently clusters of outbreaks in 75 establishments and five markets, 10 construction worker camps, and four communities.
Emergency Decree extension and other Covid-19 measure proposals to be introduced at major CCSA meeting next week
National –
A sub-panel meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has agreed to a proposal to extend the Emergency Decree for another two months, as well as postponing the country's reopening plan of five areas, including Pattaya, to vaccinated foreign tourists without strict quarantine to November 1st.
This proposal will now go to an all-hands-on-deck meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan O'Cha on Monday, September 27th. If approved, which is likely, it will then go to the Thai Cabinet for final approval on Tuesday, September 28th after which, if given the green light, will then go into the Royal Gazette as official.
The meeting which was chaired by Nattapon Nakphanich, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), proposed the extension of the Emergency Decree to cover October and November to control the domestic spread of Covid-19 at the general meeting of the CCSA next Monday, September 27th.
The Communicable Disease Act amendments have at this time, controversially, given permission for health authorities with the Ministry of Public Health to implement lockdowns, curfews, and widespread business sector closures if they deem there is a "serious health emergency" which has driven concern from government opposition over the past several days. This amendment will, as a result, be taken to the Parliamentary floor for a vote and possible changes.
Meanwhile, the postponement to welcome fully vaccinated tourists without quarantine in five pilot areas, namely Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Cha-am, would be introduced at the full CCSA meeting on Monday for further consideration. The sub-panel meeting had also agreed to readjust the reopening plan from October 1st to November 1st. However, as with all other measures, this will need final approval. The reason for the proposed postponement, according to Nattapon, is that CCSA officials feel another month to give more time for a widespread vaccination plan to accelerate and implement second jabs in areas proposed to open, especially Bangkok, is needed before opening wider to tourists.
Despite the Emergency Decree extension proposal, the sub-panel committee also proposed more easing of Covid-19 restrictions, including the opening of museums, sports fields, tutoring institutions, spas, cinemas, and allowing live music at restaurants nationwide during the decree implementation. They did not, however, discuss entertainment venues or bars or allowing alcohol at restaurants as the full CCSA meeting has previously said this would be discussed at the all-hands-on-deck meeting on how to safely reopen them. The bar sector is not expected to be given the green light at the start of October.
There have been mixed reports on if curfew will change, although it appears that overall the curfew will stay in place in "dark red zones", perhaps with a slight adjustment to hours. The unpopular curfew has been in place for over two months in dark-red provinces, including Chonburi and Bangkok, from 9:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. Government officials have stated the curfew has been instrumental in stopping illegal social gatherings, parties, illegal bars, and similar activities from happening at night, which the CCSA classifies as the highest-risk activity to spreading Covid-19.
Finally, there was also no immediate discussion or plans to change zone coding status, although this may change at Monday's meeting.
All proposals would be introduced to the CCSA meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O'Cha, this coming Monday. TPN media will monitor the meeting closely and give a full report of all decisions made.
Domestic travellers are at Suvarnabhumi airport early this month when domestic flights resumed. The National Communicable Disease Committee decided on Thursday that some tourist areas should welcome foreign visitors in November and shorten their quarantine from 14 days. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)
NONTHABURI: The National Communicable Disease Committee will propose shorter quarantine periods for some groups of visitors, from 14 days to 7-10 days, to stimulate the economy.
After chairing the meeting of the committee at the Public Health Ministry on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the committee resolved to propose to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration that the 14-day quarantine for foreign tourists visiting Thailand should be shortened to stimulate the economy.
The shorter quarantine would be implemented in some tourist areas and concerned officials were considering their readiness regarding vaccination coverage, local Covid-19 situations and hospital bed occupancy rates.
Such areas would first welcome Thai tourists next month to evaluate their readiness before receiving foreign tourists in November, Mr Anutin said.
The Covid-19 situation in the country was improving with declines in new infections and fatalities and better treatment for patients. Most new infections centred in Greater Bangkok and southern border provinces and there were new clusters in prisons where infected people were effectively isolated, he said.
Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said the quarantine would be reduced to either seven or 10 days on a case-by-case basis.
The quarantine would be seven days for the visitors who had been fully vaccinated and they would be tested with the RT-PCR method for Covid-19 upon arrival and again on day 7 after arrival, he said.
The quarantine would last 10 days for the visitors who do not have a vaccination certificate. They will undergo two RT-PCR tests, first upon arrival and second before finishing the quarantine. Visitors in this category must arrive by air only.
The 14-day quarantine would remain for the visitors who would arrive by land and had not been fully vaccinated. They would be subject to two RT-PCR tests, Dr Opas said.
The planned measures would apply to visitors from every country. The shorter quarantine of visitors would not worsen the situation as the Phuket Sandbox reopening project proved that visitors did not cause an outbreak but local infections did, he said.
Chonburi new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 slightly rise to 743 with 1 new death
Highlights:
743 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today
1,597 people recovered and were released from medical care
1 new death
The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 743 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 1 new death, September 23rd.
Additionally, 1,597 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 69,253 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.
This makes a total of 82,145 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 12,318 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 574 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's 1 new death were not given, which is standard for the health department.
The district-level new cases were as follows today:
Mueang Chonburi 168, Si Racha 168, Banglamung (Pattaya) 132, Panat Nikhom 36, Sattahip 46, Ban Bueang 53, Pan Thong 43, Bor Thong 5, Ko Chan 1, Nong Yai 6, new soldiers in Sattahip 22, and 63 people transferred from other provinces for medical care.
The details on the cases are as follows:
Cluster, soldiers in Sattahip, 22 cases
Cluster, worker camp in Nong Paikaew in Ban Bueng, 7 cases
Cluster, Siam Denso Manufacturing company in Pan Thong, 5 cases
Cluster, workers worked at Nongyai District Office, 5 cases
Cluster, Cobra Group company in Pan Thong, 4 cases
Cluster, worker camp of Rungjaroen in Banglamung, 4 cases
Cluster, Vanda Pac company in Mueang Chonburi, 4 cases
Cluster, Chicony Power Technology company in Si Racha, 4 cases
Cluster, Jaroensup Recycle company in Panta Nikhom, 4 cases
Many establishments in Rayong Province brought to Chonburi for medical care, 31 cases
A risky occupation, meeting a lot of people, 29 cases
3 medical staff
Close contacts of confirmed patients in the family – 241 cases, in workplaces – 147 cases and close friends – 20 cases
Close contacts of confirmed patients (under investigation), 80 cases
133 cases are under investigation in general as to the cause of the disease
There are currently clusters of outbreaks in 75 establishments and five markets, 10 construction worker camps, and four communities
Fact Check: What is the current factual status of Pattaya "reopening" as early as October?
Pattaya, Thailand-
There has been a lot of conflicting articles and media attention around a potential plan for Pattaya to "reopen" as early as October over the past few days and we wanted to update our readers on the current factual information. This is based on our staff attending numerous meetings locally and being aware of the situation on the ground.
2. Pattaya, according to Mayor Sonthaya Khunplume, is ready to open under the proposal above and has met the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) requirements, including what city officials say is a 70% vaccination target for Pattaya City proper. However, that is based on permanent residents/house registrations and may not include a large foreigner/migrant/transitory community. Additionally, the goalposts may be moving according to statements by the CCSA over the past week to 80% for Covid-free zones like Pattaya. This would require extra time.
3. Even if "opened" it is not a "fly-in, wave your passport and vaccine status, maybe take a single test, and go where you want. We strongly suggest reading the proposal in-depth at the top of this article, keeping in mind it could change and even become stricter. There is no guarantee that all business sectors, especially nightlife and bars, closed for six months straight currently, would be allowed to open under the proposal.
4. A true "no quarantine" and limited rules opening would likely not happen until the earliest January of 2022, according to Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Khunplume. Any "opening" before then would, as stated above, likely have many rules and restrictions, including for now requiring a COE (certificate of entry) from an embassy or consulate, insurance, multiple Covid-19 tests, mandatory stay at a SHA+ hotel (not your condo) and all the paperwork that goes with it.
5. The other locations planned to be part of the "reopening" are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Cha-am, and Hua Hun. According to the Ministry of Public Health and TAT, Pattaya is the furthest along to the opening requirements around vaccination/preparation. However, this does not mean that Pattaya will be allowed to open and the others not, they may wait for all to be ready, which Bangkok predicts late October to mid-November, depending on several factors. Additionally, there are major concerns about the proximity of Pattaya to Bangkok and people leaving the area, which means they would want Bangkok vaccinated properly first.
6. Tomorrow, Thursday, September 23rd, will be an official meeting with TAT, the Ministry of Public Health, and relevant agencies with the CCSA. This will then go from smaller panels to larger panels over the weekend and culminate in a major meeting on Monday, September 27th. This meeting will discuss many things, including the Emergency Decree, curfews, entertainment venues, zone classifications, and more. You can click here to read more about this meeting.
7. There is likely to be nothing official until early next week. Will Pattaya eventually open up? Yes. Do City officials feel they are ready to open up? Yes. Will the CCSA allow Pattaya to open? Eventually, but there are many factors at play. We strongly suggest not to buy plane tickets and to wait and keep an eye on our regular coverage, where we will always provide factual, on-the-ground, non aggregated information about the situation here in Pattaya.
8. The Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Yuthasak Supasorn, stated today, September 22nd, to the foreign press that the plan to reopen tourist cities was delayed until November as the areas involved had not hit vaccination targets (Although, as stated, Pattaya has.). However, the meetings will still take place this weekend and there is not an official CCSA decision yet.
Last, but not least, Pattaya's biggest focus right now is being allowed to open for domestic tourism-people already in the country. The city has planned multiple events for the next several months, betting on their high vaccination rates and hopeful approval from the CCSA. However, all these events WILL need final approval and easing on gathering/restriction rules to happen and are tentative only.
