Finally, despite increased Songkran traffic, the opening of many tourist enclave bars, and two long weekends when Thais were on the move, the number of daily reported Covid cases has decreased significantly since April 1. Not only did it plummet, but it plummeted by more than 80%. As a result, there are fewer and fewer arguments for keeping residual Covid limitations. A casual stroll through the streets of Patong Beach, Phuket, revealed that Thailand’s tourist areas are still recovering, with many businesses still closed. I chatted with four bar owners from different parts of Thailand last night, and they all told me the same tale. International tourists, who make up a big amount of the present tourist flow, appear to be less likely to swing their legs under a bar stool and engage in conversation with the staff. Thailand’s nightlife operators – pubs, karaoke bars, clubs, and larger massage establishments – have been warned to “take special precautions” against Covid when they reopen next month, according to Thai government health experts. On the following Wednesday, that will take place.
Thirty-one Thai provinces, 14 of which have been designated as green zones and the remaining 17 as blue zones, will be permitted to open and function, with alcohol being officially supplied until midnight. They will not be allowed to host promotional events, according to the CCSA. Will you be posting images on social media as part of this?
As a result of the CCSA criteria, 31 of Thailand’s 77 provinces will be allowed to reopen as of next Wednesday. However, some regions are exempt from the formal opening, such as Samut Sakhon, just south of Bangkok, Khon Kaen, a big population hub in the north east, Sakon Nakhon, and Roi Et.
Fortunately, many of these businesses who were allowed to reopen were able to benefit on an inflow of visitors after Covid testing for international arrivals was discontinued on April 1. There was also Songkran and a few long weekends, which drove a travel frenzy to help hotel companies, as well as the pubs that did operate, with some much-needed respite. The official start of Thailand’s nightlife on Wednesday, however, coincides with the start of the year’s monsoon, as well as a slowdown in passenger arrivals after the early-April surge. As a result of increased fuel prices and inflation, the cost of travel, particularly flights into Thailand, is increasing. Even carrying barrels of beer to your favorite tavern is becoming more expensive. If no one has been wearing masks in these nightlife zones for months, the idea of mask-wearing prohibitions being repealed in the middle of next month will make little difference.
Despite the rule on bars remaining closed, the same representative announced at the same gathering, perhaps with a straight face, that numerous venues had already reopened. She further stated that if guests tested positive for Covid-19, the businesses will be shut down again. She had a surprised expression on her face.
We’re guessing these CCSA decision-makers never leave their committee room because the reality on this one is well ahead of their announcements. Due to a few legal loopholes and accommodating constabulary, as well as desperate businesspeople who just wanted to get their staff back to work, some bars in the most popular tourist areas (such as Pattaya, Patong, Nana, and Soi Cowboy, to name a few) have been reopening, some times well past midnight, for months.
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