The latest Covid restrictions

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Gaybutton
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Re: The latest Covid restrictions

Post by Gaybutton »

Both Chonburi (Pattaya's province) and Bangkok are on the "targeted lockdown" red zone list. If there is to be a lockdown, and I believe there will be, we don't know yet how it will work or when it will take place. But if you are in Thailand, but not in your home province, I suggest getting there ASAP.

Also, don't forget to wear your face mask. And wear it properly - not with your nose exposed or pulled down to your chin. If you are caught violating the mask rules, you are subject to a 20,000 baht fine, and that includes not wearing the mask properly.

Rest assured - they are not playing games about this.
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Public Health Ministry mulls new lockdown

Wear a mask or risk copping B20,000 fine

26 Apr 2021

The Public Health Ministry has proposed "targeted lockdown" measures and a new colour-coding system to identify provinces most at risk of the latest Covid-19 outbreak.

Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary of the ministry, said on Sunday the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre called an urgent meeting in response to the severity of the latest wave of Covid-19.

Thailand yesterday logged 11 new deaths, a record high that included a pregnant woman, raising the toll to 140. The government recorded 2,438 new coronavirus cases, all but five contracted locally, bringing the accumulated total since the pandemic began to 55,460.

He said it was agreed at the meeting that disease control measures will be tightened with zoning based on a revised colour-coding system to identify provinces hit by Covid-19.

Currently, red, orange, yellow and green are used to illustrate the degree of Covid-19 infections in provinces affected by the disease.

The red zone means maximum control and a high number of infections; the second-highest control zone is orange, followed by the high surveillance zone (yellow) while the surveillance zone (green) applies to provinces without infection.

Under the new colour-coding system, there will be only three zones -- dark red under special, maximum control, red and orange to respond to the current situation, Dr Kiattiphum said.

He added that the communicable disease committees in all 77 provinces will be asked to adopt "targeted lockdown" measures to ban activities involving large crowd gatherings.

The proposals will be presented for consideration by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), he said.

Dr Kiattiphum said the meeting also discussed other urgent issues, particularly shortages of hospital beds in Bangkok, and tried to find ways to solve the problem, he said.

"It was found the problem stems from management procedures," he said.

"Therefore, we discussed ways to better handle management of beds."

Currently, there are still enough beds, but if the transmissions become more severe, beds for severely ill patients will be only enough for the next two weeks, he said.

For those who are not severely ill or have mild symptoms, the Department of Medical Services has laid down a policy to reduce their time in hospital to 10 days.

This should help free up more beds for new cases, Dr Kiattiphum said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will meet for talks with the private sector on Wednesday to find ways to procure and allocate more Covid-19 vaccine doses, Traisuree Taisaranakul, deputy government spokeswoman said.

Those who will attend the meeting include representatives of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Thai Bankers' Association, and the Association of Thai Travel Agents.

"They will be given an opportunity to present proposals to buy more vaccine doses and ideas on how to distribute them after the private sector wanted to procure vaccine doses for personnel in the industrial sector," Ms Traisuree said.

She said the prime minister would like to take advice from the private sector so he can decide on measures to control the spread and restore the economy.

She said the government has sufficient budget and will spend the money to take care of people.

Meanwhile, Bangkok residents have been ordered to put on masks from today or risk a hefty fine, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang announced on Sunday.

Violators risk a fine up to 20,000 baht under the Communicable Disease Act.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said in an announcement released yesterday the penalty would also apply to all establishments that fail to enforce mask-wearing for those on their premises.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... w-lockdown
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Re: The latest Covid restrictions

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All I can say is wear the masks - properly. If your mask is below your nose or under your chin, guess what - you're not wearing your mask and are subject to the fines and possible arrest for violating the emergency decree.

Even Thailand's Prime Minister had to pay a 6000 baht fine for not wearing a mask - while he was chairing a meeting about Covid control.

With the danger of catching Covid and ending up under some sort of quarantine or a field hospital, possibly even dying from the disease, I can't imagine why anyone would even be reluctant to wear the face mask. But some people are - and if they are caught, at best their wallets will be much lighter.
__________________________________________________________________________________

What’s the deal with the outside mask mandates in many areas, including Pattaya and Bangkok?

By Adam Judd

26 April 2021

On a daily basis, it seems more and more provinces and areas in Thailand are requiring mask mandates-essentially, one must wear a mask at all times when out of their own home, even when driving in a car with more than one person.

Bangkok officially started the mask mandate today, April 26th, and it has already led to confusion and questions on social media. Chonburi, home of Pattaya, and many of our readers have had the mask mandate technically since last year but has only started enforcing it again recently.

The language for the orders is pretty simple-you must wear a mask outside of your home or face a fine of up to 20,000 baht. That’s it, in terms of the order, no buts, no exceptions, no caveats, etc. You could even also get fined with additional charges, such as violating the emergency decree or communicable disease control act, according to law enforcement and the severity of the situation in terms of potentially spreading the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Bangkok law enforcement clarified today that even if you are driving in a closed car with members of your own family you must wear a mask unless the member is two years old or younger. There have been multiple reports of people alone on a motorbike or stopped alone at a vehicle/covid-19 checkpoint also charged for not wearing a mask in other provinces. Bangkok stated that someone driving alone in a car does not need to wear a mask but that may not be the case in every province and especially if stopped at a checkpoint.

There is no “official” exception for exercising without a mask, contrary to belief, although some individual doctors have stated that one shouldn’t wear a mask when running, biking, etc. Going for a walk, even alone, and claiming to officers that you are “exercising” and shouldn’t have to wear a mask is also not officially an exception and officers can still charge you at their discretion. Obviously, if one is eating in a restaurant they won’t be asked to wear a mask but some comments on social media have reported that people are being asked to wear one while walking between tables, to the restroom, etc.

We have seen sent to The Pattaya News this afternoon several mask fines from readers. Some claimed they were “wearing” the mask under their chin and offered to pull it up when police saw them but were still fined. We would advise people to use caution at this time and when in doubt, wear a mask. Fines can be up to 20,000 baht as stated but can also be as low as 500 baht. Police have “discretion” on the amount of the fine, reportedly. According to law enforcement, properly wearing a mask is over your nose and mouth.

Tickets should be given for fines for masks, you shouldn’t be asked to pay on the spot and can demand a copy of the ticket and to go to the police station if in doubt.

We have also been asked about medical exceptions, we would advise one to check with their doctors or local hospital on this and if they are able to grant paperwork and proof of a medical exception for a health condition.

For now, masks are required, even walking alone outside, in Pattaya, Bangkok, and an increasing number of other provinces. Bangkok City officials even ordered that news broadcasters wear masks on camera as they are sharing rooms with other people and because it “sets” a good example, despite being more difficult to hear people speak.

https://tpnnational.com/2021/04/26/feat ... d-bangkok/
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Thailand’s Prime Minister fined 6,000 baht after being captured not wearing facial mask during Covid-19 situation meeting this morning

ByNop Meechukhun

26 April 2021

Bangkok governor Asawin Kwanmuang stated on his Facebook account that Prime Minister Prayut had paid a fine of 6,000 baht for not wearing his mask after leading a government meeting on the Covid-19 situation this morning, April 26th.

The Prime Minister also officially became the first person who has violated the recent regulations of Communicable Disease Act B.E. 2558 issued yesterday, April 25th, stating that citizens in Bangkok shall always wear sanitary or fabric masks in public places.

Anyone who violates or fails to comply with the statement shall be fined not exceeding 20,000 baht, according to the announcement of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

The charge was made after Prime Minister’s official Facebook account had released a photo of the Prime Minister with a group of vaccination allocation consultants in a meeting at the government house today.

Prayut was spotted in the picture, not wearing a facial mask or any protection to prevent the spread of Covid-19 disease. The picture, however, has been removed shortly following criticisms on Thai social media.

The governor said on his social media account: “I, therefore, declared that such action of the Prime Minister has violated under Section 51 of the Communicable Diseases Act, B.E. 2558. According to the consideration of the National Committee on Communicable Diseases, the Prime Minister was guilty of such an offense and was liable to a fine 6,000 baht.”

The Prime Minister has acknowledged the charge and agreed to pay the fine at the Dusit Police station. He has reportedly apologized for the incident.

https://tpnnational.com/2021/04/26/thai ... s-morning/
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Re: The latest Covid restrictions

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57 provinces are now under the strict face mask rule. Thailand has 73 provinces and the rest of the provinces will likely soon be under the same rule.

See: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000277 for a list.

At some point on Wednesday - tomorrow at the time of this post - the decision will be made whether to lock down Bangkok. If a lockdown does come to pass, I am expecting further lockdowns elsewhere too, including Pattaya. I don't know when that might happen, but if it does I think it will be soon.

Whether to impose further restrictions nationally will come under discussion Thursday.

Don't forget, additional restrictions that have not been imposed nationally can still be imposed by the provincial governors and many have done so. Most of those restrictions include closing times, certain business, convenience store, and venue closings, and alcohol restrictions. Throughout Thailand, nearly everything is ordered to close by 9:00pm.

Anyone outside is subject to police inspections and police stops while driving. I hope everyone has sense enough to be carrying valid ID acceptable to the police and wearing a face mask. As I wrote in an earlier post, they are not playing games about this and you are highly unlikely to be able to bribe your way out of trouble if you are caught violating any of the rules.

The best suggestion I can give to avoid contracting Covid and avoid problems with the police is to just stay home as much as possible. There's not a whole lot to go out for right now anyway.

If it makes you feel any better, when I've been out over the past few days, including today, I have yet to see any police anywhere - at least anywhere I've been. That does not mean, however, that it is safe or a good idea to violate any of the rules. So don't.
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Re: The latest Covid restrictions

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At the time of this post - 2:25pm Wednesday, April 28 - 63 of Thailand's 73 provinces are now under the face mask mandate.

No word yet as to any additional national or provincial restrictions. I believe some form of additional restrictions and/or curfews - or both - is imminent on a national level, but that is only my guess. If and when any new measures are announced, they will be posted.


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Re: The latest Covid restrictions

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Gaybutton wrote: Tue Apr 27, 2021 9:33 amWith the danger of catching Covid and ending up under some sort of quarantine or a field hospital, possibly even dying from the disease, I can't imagine why anyone would even be reluctant to wear the face mask. But some people are...
apart from the possible financial consequence of a fine, wearing a standard surgical or cloth mask is an altruistic rather than a protective measure for the wearer - it significantly reduces the chance of you infecting others but does little to protect you from others infecting you. if you are not currently infected there is little direct benefit to you in wearing a surgical/cloth mask

at the population level, everyone wearing a mask is a good thing for reducing transmission, particularly when asymptomatic infections are common, however for the individual if you are seriously worried about the "danger of catching Covid" you need to be wearing a well-fitted medical-grade N95 mask and eye protection and hand sanitising regularly - though wearing an N95 mask with a vent is considered anti-social as it effectively protects you but allows you to spread your infection to others
I can’t even be bothered to be apathetic these days!
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Re: The latest Covid restrictions

Post by Jun »

I've worn an N95 or FFP3 mask since February 2020.

An FFP3 valved mask when in Thailand in Feb2020. Alternative FFP3 or N95 masks were not available

An FFP3 valved mask in the UK for the remainder of 2020. Since most people didn't bother wearing any mask at all in the UK until it was a legal requirement much later in the year, I didn't worry about the valve.

I was required to wear valve free masks for use when flying late in the year, so I purchased some N95 valve free masks, rather than risk going on a plane with an inferior surgical mask. I've been using these ever since. Either continuously when out in Thailand, or in shops etc in the UK. They are easy enough to wear continuously, even when out walking, although it's useful to remember to use mouthwash after brushing your teeth.

I believe FFP3 is roughly equivalent to N99 and FFP2 is roughly equivalent to N95.
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Re: The latest Covid restrictions

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Here are the latest restrictions following the national level meeting.




The good news is so far there is no local curfew or lockdown for Bangkok or Pattaya. Not yet, anyway. However there are curfews in several other provinces.

The bad news is considering all the restrictions, curfews and lockdowns are hardly necessary. At night there isn't much to go out for.

In zones such as Bangkok and Pattaya, restaurants will be closed yet again for dining-in. It's take-away only again, folks. Food delivery services are sill allowed to operate up to 9:00pm.

The newest restrictions are now effective.
___________________________________________________

Harsher Covid controls

29 Apr 2021

The government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Thursday intensified its Covid-19 controls, extending the quarantine period for arrivals, expanding "dark red" control zones and requiring the nationwide wearing of face masks outside homes.

CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said that May 1 would see the end of the shortened quarantine periods of 7-10 days earlier announced for arrivals vaccinated against Covid-19, and the return of 14-day quarantine for all arrivals.

Arrivals will not be allowed to leave their rooms except for medical treatment or Covid-19 tests.

Also from May 1, six provinces will become dark red zones of maximum and strict Covid-19 control. They are Bangkok, Chonburi (Pattaya), Chiang Mai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. Since April 17 there have been no such zones.

The number of red zones of maximum control will rise from 18 to 45 provinces, while orange control zones will drop from 59 to 26 provinces. There are no zones with lower controls.

Twenty-six provinces declared orange zones are Krabi, Kalasin, Chai Nat, Chumphon, Trat, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Bung Kan, Buri Ram, Phangnga, Phayao, Phrae, Mukdahan, Mae Hong Son, Yasothon, Loei, Sakon Nakhon, Satun, Samut Songkhram, Sing Buri, Surin, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani and Amnat Charoen.

In all zones, people will be required to wear face masks when going out. Fines will be set but will not be too harsh, the spokesman said. People must heed warnings and public service announcements, Dr Taweesilp said.

Nationwide, entertainment places and schools will be closed. Malls can open until 9pm with limited visitors but no promotional events. Parties will be banned, except for household and traditional functions including funerals.

In dark-red provinces, people must refrain from leaving their zones unless it is necessary and restaurants can open for takeouts only until 9pm.

Dining-in is allowed until 9pm in red zones and 11pm in orange zones, with no sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages. In red zones, restaurants can take orders for takeouts until 11pm.

Convenience stores can open between 4am and 11pm in dark red and red zones. The restriction will not apply in orange zones.

Limits on crowd activities are set at 20 people in dark red zones and 50 people elsewhere.

In dark red zones, outdoor sports fields can open until 9pm but competitions must be free of spectators. Fitness clubs and gymnasiums will be closed.

In red zones, sports fields can open until 9pm with limitations on player and spectator numbers. In orange zones they can open as usual but with limited players and spectators.

Government and private organisations will introduced their highest degree of working from home for at least 14 days. This measure should be helpful for Covid-19 control when there is no lockdown, Dr Taweesilp said.

The government would quickly work out assistance for affected parties, he said.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... d-controls
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Thai Covid-19 center meeting approves stepped up Covid-19 control measures and readjusts “Dark Red Zones” in six provinces, including Bangkok and Chonburi, effective this Saturday

By Nop Meechukhun

29 April 2021

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved in principle stricter Covid-19 health measures in Thailand proposed by Public Health Ministry at a meeting today, effective nationwide on midnight of May 1st, taking effect for this upcoming holiday weekend.

CCSA spokesperson Taweeslip Visanuyuthin revealed this afternoon, April 29th, that the first proposal was for state quarantine for all arrivals to Thailand to increase from 7-10 days to 14 days again. All visitors, including Thai and foreign nationals, have to stay in their room at all times and must undergo regular Covid-19 testing by the public health authorities. This is regardless of country of origin or if the visitor is fully vaccinated or not.

However, travelers who have obtained their Certificate of Entry (COE) prior to May 1st, 2021, and arrive in the Kingdom before May 6th will be quarantined for 7 to 10 days, depending on vaccination status.

Secondly, six provinces in Thailand are planned to be categorized as the “highest risk and control zones” or “Dark Red Zones”. The provinces are Bangkok, Chonburi (Pattaya), Chiang Mai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan.

The proposed measures for the “Dark Red Zones” include no large gatherings of more than 20 people; no dine-in services at all restaurants and takeaway is only allowed until 9:00 PM.; sports stadiums and facilities, as well as gyms, must be closed; shopping malls and shops can be opened until 9:00 PM.; local residents are asked to refrain from leaving home if unnecessarily. All previously closed venues and orders stand, additionally, governors can implement stricter orders if they choose but cannot loosen the restrictions.

Dine-in services will be allowed until 9:00 PM. in the “Red Zones”, and until 11:00 PM. in the “Orange Zones”. Similar to the “Dark Red Zones” measures, shopping malls are allowed to open until 9:00 PM. Entertainment venues, school institutions, and sports facilities must stay closed.

Dr. Taweesilp also stated that private business companies, especially in Bangkok, are highly recommended to order their employees to conduct “Work From Home” during the new and stricter measures to curb the Covid-19 local transmission. The measures will last for at least two weeks, or until the situation improves. There was no discussion about financial aid measures for affected employees or businesses.

Story and graphics: https://tpnnational.com/2021/04/29/thai ... -saturday/
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Re: The latest Covid restrictions

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Thai Retailer’s Association announces hours for “Dark Red Zones”, stricter than Thai government rules

By Adam Judd

30 April 2021

The Thai Retailer’s Association, in conjunction with the Thai Shopping Center Association, announced their hours for “Dark Red” zones in Thailand tonight which are stricter than those stated by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

According to both Thai shopping associations, they will adopt the following rules in “Dark Red” zones which are: Bangkok, Chonburi (Pattaya), Nonthaburi, Chiang Mai, Samut Prakan, and Pathum Thani effective May First for at least two weeks or until further notice by the Thai government:

-Shopping malls will be open from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. (One hour stricter than CCSA rules)

-Supermarkets will be open until 9:00 P.M

-Markets will be open until 9:00 P.M.

-Convenience stores like 7-11, Family Mart, etc. will be open from 5:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. This is stricter than the CCSA rule from 4:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M.

-Restaurants (including food cart vendors) can operate take away only until 9:00 P.M. Dine-in is prohibited in dark red zones.

-Food courts/open seating areas at markets for dining must close and cannot be open. This includes food cart vendors.

These rules will last at least two weeks from May first but could be extended according to representatives from the retail associations.

https://thepattayanews.com/2021/04/30/t ... ent-rules/
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Re: The latest Covid restrictions

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Face masks are now required in all Thai provinces. If you so much as step outside your door, you are required to be wearing a face mask and wearing it properly. The police will not accept any excuses.
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Pattaya authorities clear up lockdown ambiguities

By Barry Kenyon

April 30, 2021

Anxious Pattaya expats have been bombarding City Hall helpline personnel and police station officers and volunteers with questions about the latest anti-Covid measures, effective May 1. Chonburi province (including Pattaya and surrounding areas), Bangkok and four other provinces have been designated dark-red areas with maximum strict controls. Pattaya Mail has collated the major responses.


Alcoholic drinks for home consumption
Consuming wine, beer or spirits anywhere except in your own home or private hotel room is illegal or highly suspicious. Unlike the April 2020 initial lockdown, retail shops and stores can currently sell liquor for that specific purpose, but subject to restricted hours. City Hall said it would not be illegal to purchase liquor in a restaurant, where you were awaiting the takeout food order, but instant gratification must be avoided at all costs.


In-dining forbidden
Eating in a restaurant is banned and the prohibition includes coffee shops. Takeout is permitted (until 9 pm) and that applies to cups of coffee as well as to meals or snacks, but consumption must be well away from the premises and without groups forming. The only exception would be the hotel where you are a resident and the management might, or might not, allow you to have a dinner guest. No alcohol.


Closure of night spots
Any premises offering “entertainment” at any time, with or without music or staff participation, remain closed. Government and provincial edicts have broadened the scope to zoos, gyms, swimming pools, massage parlors, billiard halls, cockfighting venues and many others. City Hall said they had advised phone callers that non-mentioned activities such as quizzes or dart matches, even if held outside of licensed premises, were not acceptable because of the danger of group infection.


Amenities still open
Beaches and swimming in the sea remain acceptable, but not eating or gathering in groups. Outside sports areas and some golf courses remain open, but anti-Covid health restrictions will apply and spectators discouraged. Reservoir areas and parks can be used for exercising but not for parties. Barbers and hairdressers remain in business at their sole discretion, although customers must wait their turn outside the unit. Beauty parlors were banned in the government edict. In the lockdown of April 2020, all were closed for several weeks.


Activities with more than 20 attenders
These are banned unless permission is obtained from the city authorities. But the converse that any activity with fewer than 20 people is thus legal is not true as social gathering increases the danger of infection. City Hall said that permitted group activities were events such as funerals and wedding ceremonies. Another example might be free food handouts to hungry people because queues will form. The immigration bureau said it was restricting the number of people inside the building at any one time.


Travel within and beyond the province
There are no formal restrictions in and out of Chonburi province, or within it, but people are requested not to leave their zone except in an emergency. However, other provinces may have different mobility rules which should be checked. There is currently no formal curfew in Chonburi, although police said they might politely question overnight car drivers as all public facilities are closed. Public and private sector staff are requested to work from home for the time being, wherever feasible. This is likely to mean that some public facilities and banks might introduce restricted hours for public attendance.


Penalties for deviancy
Pattaya police said that non mask wearing or social gatherings in public could attract cash penalties, but added that the government preferred the principle of cooperation to harshness. Courts would decide. Police pressure would remain on illegal drinking parties and deliberate flouting of the regulations. Those foreigners found guilty of serious infringement would likely require a bail deposit and would eventually face a fine of between 50,000 – 100,000 baht in court. They would also face non-extension of their visa and a ban on returning to Thailand.

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattay ... ies-353411
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Re: The latest Covid restrictions

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Apparently there is still confusion about what is allowed and what is not. Most of the information in the following article also applies to Bangkok.

Here's the latest:
_________________________________________________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions about Dark Red zone restrictions in Chonburi and Pattaya

By Adam Judd

1 May 2021

The following is a quick selection of frequently asked questions we have been getting to The Pattaya News about recently becoming a “Dark Red” zone along with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and several other provinces.

We have been getting dozens of messages and hope this will help clarify some of the most common ones. This is not meant to be a one-hundred percent inclusive list of every possible question and if you can’t find an answer we suggest calling the City Hall helpline at 1337. This is meant mainly for Chonburi, as provincial rules in the other dark red zones may be slightly different as governors have the right to strengthen rules (but not weaken them) set by the CCSA. We are mostly going to highlight things that are lesser-known, for the general rules see the links below. All these answers have been taken from Chonburi orders or checked with local officials. Keep in mind though, things change very quickly, sometimes within minutes, but this was correct at the time of publishing.

Q. Are beaches open?

A. Yes and no. Public beaches are open (like Jomtien and Pattaya Beach) but many private beaches, including hotel beaches and all the Navy-owned beaches, have decided to close. Additionally, some jurisdictions have closed their beaches. As an overall rule, beaches are open ONLY for exercising. Umbrella chair vendors have been told to suspend service until further notice and people are being asked not to sit, gather, socialize, eat, or especially drink alcohol or throw a party. You also need to wear a mask when on the beach or face a potential up to 20,000 baht fine.

Q. Can I swim on a beach?

A. Yes, if it’s not closed as stated above.

Q. Can I play group sports on the beach?

A. As long as they are not over 20 people, mask-wearing is taking place, and people are socially distanced. No socializing, fans, gathering, etc.

Q. Do I have to wear a mask everywhere outside, even when exercising?

A. Yes. The basic rule is either wear a mask everywhere outside of your home or face a fine of up to 20,000 baht.

Q. Do I have to wear a mask in my car?

A. Yes. We have got mixed answers on if you need one alone. Bangkok has said if there is more than one person, even family members, they must wear masks in the car. However, we have reports of some people fined for being alone in their car without a mask at the provincial level. When in doubt, wear a mask, especially if you are approaching a checkpoint and will need to speak to an official.

Q. Can I meet other people at their homes?

A. Yes, but it is officially discouraged. The limit on groups of people is 20. Keep in mind, if you are having a party, that is considered a violation of the emergency decree and if caught could face the potential of years in jail and high baht fines. The emergency decree gives the government lots of extra powers to “protect your health”. They can also consider less than 20 people a party or gathering for socializing purposes and still apply the emergency decree act, we have confirmed reports of as few as two people being arrested for drinking and “partying” (generally outside or in front of their homes though in public view.).

Q. Is Koh Larn open?

A. Yes, but all other rules and restrictions apply, including no sitting or lying on the beach.

Q. Is Koh Si Chang open?

A. Yes, but see above.

Q. Is (insert place in non Chonburi province open)

A. Please contact that province and check locally, things change very quickly and it is difficult enough to keep up just with Chonburi!

Q. I have a question, complaint, concern who can I contact?

A. 1337 24 hours a day for the city call center

Q. Is golf open?

A. For the most part, yes, but no huge groups, clubhouse activities, meetings, etc.

Q. Is fishing open?

A. Same as golf

Q. Is there a curfew?

A. No. However, everything is essentially closed from 10:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M. including 7-11’s and take away food so there is little to do or go.

Q. Is this a lockdown?

A. Authorities have said this is not a lockdown, they consider a lockdown a strict do not leave your home order or face fines and you are free to go out. That is not in place. However, they are “requesting” people not to travel and to stay at home.

Q. Can I play outdoor sports?

A. Yes, but no fans and must be less than twenty people. Technically, you need to wear masks.

Q. What is the deal with the checkpoints I’ve heard about?

A. Ok, there are multiple checkpoints, some provincial and some designed to discourage inter provincial travel. There is no ban on domestic travel, however it is STRONGLY discouraged. The overall message is to stay home. We will break this down below more.

Q. Can I leave Chonburi province?

A. If you are a Chonburi resident, aka your domicile and address is here, you will need to get permission from a written form at a juristic office like city hall, Banglamung juristic office, the local village headsman, etc. Only essential trips are allowed, they will decide what is essential. Going to see a friend is not considered essential. If you not a resident, you do not, but may be asked to prove you are not a Chonburi resident.

Q. Can I enter Chonburi province?

A. Yes, you do not need a form to enter, however, you may be stopped at a checkpoint and asked what the purpose of your visit is. The overall goal is to discourage travel as much as possible and make it a hassle.

Q. Can I travel within Chonburi province?

A. Yes, you don’t need forms for that, although you could be stopped at a checkpoint, primarily for Covid-19 temperature scans or to check your identification.

Q. Is there a stay at home order?

A. No, but you are “requested” to stay at home unless you have essential business or exercise, etc. This isn’t being faced with fines, etc, though.

Q. What time does 7-11, Family mart, etc close?

A. Open 5:00 A.M. until 10:00 P.M. Supermarkets close at 9:00 PM, Malls at 8:00 PM.

Q. What are hours for restaurants?

A. Dine in is banned currently, take away only until 9:00 P.M. Essentially, everything is shut overnight to discourage travel.

Q. Are dentists open?

A. Yes, although some individual ones have chosen to close.

Q. Malls are open? Really?

A. Yes, primarily because closing them would put tens of thousands more out of work and asking for financial aid. Venues ordered closed are closed in malls also, and restaurants are doing take-away only. Food courts are closed for dine-in.

Q. Are barbers open?

A. Yes, but no waiting in the shop and only for basic hair cuts, not for coloring, long work, etc. Beauty clinics are closed.

Q. How long is this going to last?

A. Authorities have said “at least” two weeks, but the orders are all stated “until further notice.”

That is all for now, we may add more to this article as we get them. Thanks for your questions and support, you can reach us at [email protected]

https://thepattayanews.com/2021/05/01/f ... d-pattaya/
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