Thailand’s stunning new COVID Restrictions begin on Sunday
Alarming new COVID-19 restrictions will be introduced in Thailand, effective Sunday.
- Thailand has recently made tremendous efforts to reopen its travel and tourism industries and the biggest surge in infections is bad news.
- Today’s announcement of tightening COVID-19 restrictions is surprising and alarming
- What new restrictions mean is summarized in the article explaining the provisions made by the central government of the kingdom
Thailand saw the largest surge in infections in a single day since the COVID-19 outbreak
On Friday 1547 people were infected in the kingdom, 2 died in the land of nearly 70 million people. Globally, Thailand is only number 194 for infections and number 200 for deaths worldwide, which makes it a relatively safe country. The health authorities in Thailand are not taking any chances.
The Thai government has declared the highest control zones in 18 provinces, including the Bangkok metropolitan area, and established high control zones nationwide in the remaining provinces, CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin announced this afternoon, April 16.
The so-called provinces with red zones are Bangkok, Khon Kaen, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Tak, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phuket, Rayong, Songkhla, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Sa Kaeo, Suphan Buri and Udon Thani.
According to the announcement, all provinces must adhere to strict regulations as follows:
- Closure of classrooms and buildings at all schools and educational institutions, except for exams in international schools and for other potential purposes as required by the Disease Control Act
- Closure of nightlife and entertainment across the country including pubs, bars and massage parlors (soaps) in all provinces for a minimum of 14 days
- Department stores and shopping centers close at 9 p.m.
- Closure of amusement parks as well as play areas, playgrounds and similar attractions in all department stores
- No teaching and learning in a classroom in educational institutions
- No large gatherings and events for more than 50 people without permission from the health department
- No sale of alcoholic beverages in all serving areas / restaurants
- All restaurants must limit the number of customers in accordance with social distancing measures and strictly adhere to social distancing restrictions
Provinces with red zones must adhere to strict regulations as follows:
- Closure of all restaurants for eating at 9:00 p.m. Take-away is permitted until 11 p.m.
- Supermarkets and convenience stores close at 11 p.m. These places can reopen at 4:00 a.m.
- Fitness centers, sports stadiums and gyms will close at 9:00 p.m. Competitions can take place but must be limited to the number of spectators in accordance with social distancing measures
- Ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages at all serving areas
Provinces with orange zones must adhere to strict regulations as follows:
- Similar to the rules for red zones, except that all restaurants close for dinner at 11:00 PM.
All measures will take effect this Sunday, April 18, and will initially last at least two weeks until the end of April. Despite the implementation of curfews or travel restrictions, people are strongly advised to restrict their movement and do “work from home” as much as possible.
Governors have an opportunity to strengthen rules, but then not weaken them, and governors are expected to meet to discuss this the next day or so. Some provinces may therefore have additional rules.
