13 Jun, 2021
The Thai Prime Minister this evening (June 12th) has “unofficially” announced on his Facebook page to ease some restrictions in Bangkok around Covid-19 and stated that the Phuket Sandbox will proceed on July 1st after some further adjustments to the plan by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Thai Cabinet.
The announcements, which we note are not yet truly official as they need to be printed in the Royal Gazette and in government orders, but are now nearly guaranteed to proceed, were made on the Prime Minister’s Facebook accounts around 9:00 P.M. tonight, June 12th, 2021. The statements followed a day in which doubt was placed on the Phuket Sandbox proceeding forward on schedule by some organizations and individuals based on statements that were reportedly taken out of context by the Tourism Minister.
Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha stated on his Facebook account, “We (The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the CCSA) have agreed to the easing of several Bangkok restrictions.”
“Five businesses which will be allowed to open in Bangkok and can go back to service EFFECTIVE MONDAY, JUNE 14TH while implementing Covid-19 preventative measures are museums and similar attractions, public parks and botanical parks, beauty clinics, massage shops (foot massages only), nail shops and tattoo shops.” The statement from the PM said.
“The Covid -19 situation in Bangkok at this time is still under control as well as many people in Bangkok have been vaccinated especially people who work in these businesses.” The Prime Minister stated on his Facebook, referring to the fact the majority of cases in Bangkok were not from the businesses in question and primarily from factories, markets, and communities that are densely packed with residents.
The easing of restrictions takes place Monday, June 14th, 2021.
“As for the Phuket Sandbox, we are ready to move forward on schedule as more than 70 percent of people in Phuket have been vaccinated with at least one dose as of today.” The Prime Minister stated, referring to government statistics that stated the current total was 72% of island permanent residents vaccinated.
TPN media notes this number may not reflect foreign residents or migrant workers who aren’t counted under government census programs.
“Our goal for people in tourism-related businesses is to have 100% of them vaccinated and are working towards this goal.” The PM also stated.
The Phuket Sandbox is, according to the PM, expected to move forward on July 1st and not be delayed further as some rumors and speculation had previously stated. However, some adjustments to the regulations and rules were still to come from the CCSA and Thai Cabinet before a final, official, approval in the Royal Gazette later this month.
The PM also stated that sectors of business previously announced as closed for the sandbox program, like bars and nightlife, would be evaluated on a regular basis for reopening, noting that a balance between health and the economy would have to take place.
