By Nop Meechukhun

 

National – The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has announced several major changes in domestic Covid-19 preventive measures, including provincial color rezoning, the extension of the Emergency Decree, and the return of the “Test&Go” scheme, CCSA spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuyothin reported this morning, January 20th.

 

According to the announcement, 25 provinces are now listed as high surveillance areas, or the Yellow Zone, from previously being designated controlled “Orange” zones, effective this Monday, January 24th.

 

Under the yellow zone requirements, alcoholic beverages can be served at restaurants under the approval of the Provincial Communicable Disease Committee. Orange zones remain under “no alcohol” at restaurants rules. There are also multiple BLUE (Business, Leisure, Ultimate Experience) tourism areas that have their own special rules (see below), including some that are just districts or cities in orange or yellow zones.

 

TPN media notes that provincial governors and disease committees can alter these rules if they wish and provinces should wait for final orders from these groups.

 

Additionally, the Emergency Decree would be extended again for another two months, effective from February 1st to March 31st, according to the spokesperson. The Decree has been in place since April of 2020 and according to the government allows them to streamline processes in regards to the management of the Covid-19 situation in the country. Critics, however, have accused the government of using the decree to stop protests and political gatherings, which the government denies.

 

 

The alcohol drinking hours in the BLUE tourism pilot provinces and districts, including Chonburi (Pattaya) and Bangkok, would be extended from 9:00 PM. to 11:00 PM. only at qualified restaurants under SHA+ or Thai Stop COVID 2 Plus models. They must continue to abide by Covid Free Setting regulations of the Public Health Ministry. It appears the date for this would be the same as provincial color-code changes, Monday, the 24th of January. TPN notes this also needs approval from the provincial governor and disease committee, which will meet to discuss this proposal over the weekend.

 

Entertainment venues, like bars, pubs, and karaoke lounges, can be operated as temporarily modified restaurants but must request approval from Bangkok/Provincial Communicable Disease Committees before operating. There is no “announced” date for the reopening of this sector legally with officials stressing they will be “gradually and cautiously” reopening this sector as the CCSA feels it is a very high risk in regards to the spread of Covid-19.

 

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Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/20/thailand-covid-19-center-announces-major-covid-19-preventive-measures-changes-including-resumption-of-testgo-scheme/

 

-- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-20

 

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Test and go back but now have to book into hotel for 2nd PCR test. Great move to encourage more tourists. This is just another money grab. I expect some top bods linked with hotels were moaning that people were only booking for one night. If you don't stay in a hotel when visiting Thailand it's just another level of restrictions and cost. UK is looking at ending all restrictions in March, isolation included, no test to enter UK now. As much as covid is still a killer for some with available vaccines now IMHO it's time to move in with life. Also what are the odds the emergency decree will be extended again at end of March with supposed elections on the horizon.

16 minutes ago, Petey11 said:

Test and go back but now have to book into hotel for 2nd PCR test. Great move to encourage more tourists. This is just another money grab. I expect some top bods linked with hotels were moaning that people were only booking for one night. If you don't stay in a hotel when visiting Thailand it's just another level of restrictions and cost. UK is looking at ending all restrictions in March, isolation included, no test to enter UK now. As much as covid is still a killer for some with available vaccines now IMHO it's time to move in with life. Also what are the odds the emergency decree will be extended again at end of March with supposed elections on the horizon.

That's how I was reading it: Book hotel for Day 1 and take PCR test.

Book hotel for Day 5 and take PCR test. 

 

 Two RT-PCR tests are required on Day 1 and Day 5 of the arrival. Travelers must stay at SHA+ hotels while waiting for the PCR results.

So the cost went up too?  Tourist has to pay for an additional test and night at a highly priced hotel.

22 hours ago, thaiman said:

So the cost went up too?  Tourist has to pay for an additional test and night at a highly priced hotel.

The hotel is similarly priced. You are tacking on the cost for tests and transport.