Tourism cities welcome easing of Covid measures ahead of New Year celebrations

Officials in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya have all welcomed the CCSA’s decision to ease some Covid-19 restrictions to allow for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Alcohol can now be sold until 1am on New Year’s Eve, with the exception of Phuket, where alcohol sales can continue from 11pm to 6am on December 31. According to a Bangkok Post report, Thanusak Pheungdet, from the Phuket Chamber of Commerce says the order was issued following a drop in Covid-19 cases and a rise in vaccination numbers.

Meanwhile, in Chiang Mai, the districts of Muang, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Doi Tao, and Chom Thong are permitted to serve alcohol until 1am. Over 500 restaurants have been accredited as Covid-Free Settings after meeting the government’s criteria, meaning they can serve alcohol. A further 500 eateries have applied for the certification and hope to attain it in time for the end-of-year festivities.

In Bangkok, Sa-nga Ruangwatthanakul, whose association represents Khao San Road businesses, says operators are now expecting around 10,000 people, which is double the numbers seen on a normal busy night.

Across all major tourist destinations, businesses and tourism operators have welcomed the CCSA’s decision. In Pattaya, where plans are underway for New Year celebrations between December 29 and 31 at Bali Hai Pier, Wasan Sanguanthoikham, owner of a nightlife venue, says the decision will mean businesses can finally make some money.

“The CCSA has made us smile again. This will bring in income after a long time of being hit by Covid-19.”

Sanan Angubolkul from the Thai Chamber of Commerce agrees.

“This CCSA announcement has not only brought confidence to people eager to celebrate the festival but for business operators as well, especially given how the Covid-19 situation is improving in the country.”

Sanan says the government must continue to ramp up vaccination in all provinces to ensure Thailand can cope with the arrival of the highly-contagious Omicron variant.

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SOURCE: Bangkok Post