In two days, life will be looking pretty much normal again, if you don’t count traveling in or out of the country.
COVID-19 task force spokesman Taweesilp Wisanuyothin confirmed today that pubs, bars, nightclubs and sex massage joints may reopen Wednesday – with previously disclosed restrictions – while the right to travel into the kingdom will be extended to more groups.
In addition to previously announced rules such as no on-site promotions and 2-meter social distancing, he said venues must close at midnight because alcohol sales won’t be allowed after that, including at the congee joints popular with the capital’s late-night carousers.
In good news for retailers, the spokesman said department stores may stay open another hour until 10pm, and convenience stores could resume 24/7 operations. Expect unexpected feels on the train again as social distancing will be relaxed on public transportation, including all seats on the BTS and MRT lines.
Permission for those seeking entry to the kingdom, also starting Wednesday, will be expanded to include spouses and children of those with work permits, Taweesilp said. Foreign students and their guardians, and those who own residential property in the kingdom will also be added to the list of foreign nationals who will be allowed in.
Last week it was announced that foreign nationals with Thai families, medical and wellness tourists, business people, investors and skilled workers would be allowed into the country.
All will need to go through two weeks of quarantine at their own expense.
He said that other travelers with special arrangements would also be granted permission, such as guests invited by the government and short-term business travelers. Those travelers will face additional regulations. To be allowed in, they must twice test negative for COVID-19 and cannot use mass transportation. Also, they must show their travel itinerary and not deviate from it. Foreign government officials must pay for a liaison officer to accompany them during the whole trip.
Up to 200 total short-term business travelers from South Korea, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan will be allowed in per day, according to the spokesman.
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