Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Officials consider easing Bangkok restrictions, may allow alcohol in restaurants, re-opening of boxing venues

Published

Friday, February 19, 2021 10:53

PHOTO: Kelvin Yup on Unsplash

The government’s Covid-19 task force is set to meet on Sunday to discuss the easing of restrictions in Bangkok, a move which may include allowing alcohol in restaurants and re-opening boxing stadiums. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration will review current restrictions and if any are lifted, that is expected to take effect immediately or early next week.

According to a Coconuts report, the CCSA is considering the move based on the decline in new infections over the last week. However, they have not specifically mentioned if the easing of restrictions will apply to bars or other nightlife. Breweries and bar owners have expressed frustration with the ongoing closure, protesting outside the Health Ministry earlier this month. Since January, bars have been closed in the capital, and there is a ban on the sale of alcohol in restaurants, following the resurgence of Covid-19 in December.

The CCSA is also expected to discuss additional quarantine options for foreign arrivals, with an eye on international events such as the Jet Ski World Cup and Jet Ski Pro Tour, which Thailand hopes to host this year. One of the options being considered is “Villa Quarantine”, which would require international visitors to self-isolate in their room for just 5 days, before being allowed out and about around the hotel grounds. Following the 5 days’ self-isolation, they would also be allowed to use spa and sports facilities.

Several people have criticised the proposal, claiming it is an example of government corruption and cronyism. They point to a “Villa Quarantine” pilot project taking place in Phuket, where 70 wealthy foreign arrivals are expected to land on the southern island from Bali on Sunday and be accommodated in the Sri Panwa resort. The resort is owned by loyal government supporter, Vorasit Issara, and part-owned by a government social security agency.

Vorasit, no stranger to controversy himself, claims the wealthy visitors are safe as they travel a lot and therefore undergo frequent testing. To read more about the Sri Panwa Phuket resort and its owner, click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.

SOURCE: Coconuts

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6 Comments

Issan John

Friday, February 19, 2021 at 11:37 am

How can the “wealthy visitors … travel a lot” when Bali is closed to tourists?

The danger with the “villa quarantine” as it’s now reportedly to work is their use of not just “spa and sport facilities” but any facilities (spa, bars, reataurants, etc) that bring them into contact with hotel staff who aren’t quarantined themselves – the potential issues should be obvious.

Reply
Toby Andrews

Friday, February 19, 2021 at 12:06 pm

The reviews of this Sri Panwa resort are very mixed.
Some guests thought it was wonderful. Others wrote: Old hotel with rude staff. Another A BIG NO.
One wrote: Thieves.
And this was last year.
As for Bangkok opening up. Don’t bother. In a week’s time they will find someone asymptomatic with the virus, and be stampeding to close everything down again.
Thai greed was killing Bangkok’s tourism before the pandemic. The present government is finishing it off.

Reply
- Ted
  
  Friday, February 19, 2021 at 2:25 pm
  
  I took a loong weekend there once, thought the staff was good, what else would someone expect, and didn’t react that much on anything about the design being old [used to work as a property designer and project manager, so have those ‘eyes’] as it was some year ago I was there, with salty ocean winds there is a constant need for ‘updating’ –inside and out– so if they haven’t understood that.. yeah well then I suppose that someone would complain about the ‘old-hotel- feeling.
  
  The price is way off though, even pre-covid it was no problem finding some other hotel for less than half of what it costs at Sri Panwa….but mrs celebrated an even number so what to do 🙂
  
  Reply
James Pate

Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 7:51 am

Let’s see how Sunday’s meeting turns out. Passed by W District last night, an open air venue. Watched security guard politely instruct a diner to dispose of a beer he brought in on his own. A few places I know in BKK continue to discreetly sell drinks but I don’t need a hefty fine and police record. I have to go to Chonburi for a bar? Stop this nonsense, please!

Reply
- seamann
  
  Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 11:19 am
  
  Sukhumvit 7, 11 and 13 are open and openly selling you anything you ask for. They built barricades on the street and taped windows shut to block the view, but the parties go on like lockdown never happened.
  
  Reply
  - James Pate
    
    Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 9:40 pm
    
    Soi 8, too.
    
    Reply

Maya Taylor

A seasoned writer, with a degree in Creative Writing. Over ten years' experience in producing blog and magazine articles, news reports and website content.

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