Curfew reduction, easing more restrictions on CCSA agenda today

The government’s Covid-19 task force meets later today to debate a further easing of restrictions ahead of the country’s planned re-opening on November 1. The Bangkok Post reports that the CCSA is set to discuss a reduction in curfew hours, as well as reducing the number of provinces in various coloured zones.

Among the proposals to be discussed is the reduction of maximum control, “dark red” provinces to 24, “red” provinces to 29, and “orange” provinces to 24. Officials will also discuss a reduction in curfew hours, which if approved, could change from 10pm – 4am to 11pm – 3am from Saturday until the end of October.

The big issue on the table is the proposed resumption of international tourism without quarantine from November 1. In a televised address on Monday night, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha said that fully vaccinated visitors from 10 “low risk” countries could be allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine from November 1.

Foreign arrivals would need to test negative for Covid-19 prior to leaving their home country and once again on arrival in Thailand. He added that the ban on the sale of alcohol in restaurants could be lifted from December 1, along with bars and nightlife venues being allowed to re-open.

The TAT has already published its list of countries it hopes the Thai government will allow back in, quarantine-free, from November 1. USA, UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, France, Russia, China, including Taiwan and Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Israel, UAE, Switzerland, Malaysia and Italy. But these countries are NOT YET CONFIRMED by the CCSA.

The CCSA is also being asked to consider allowing meetings and cultural events to resume at conference centres and exhibition halls, as well as similar venues in hotels and department stores. If approved, attendee numbers would be limited based on the colour-coding of the province.

For more information on how to get into Thailand during the pandemic, CLICK HERE.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post