Thailand national news week in review: Tom Yum Goong to be listed in UNESCO’s cultural heritage list, Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine approved, Phuket to welcome vaccinated foreigners, and more

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, March 22nd to the 28th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

1. Thailand to nominate “Tom Yum Goong” to be placed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage 2021 list

One of the most popular Thai traditional dishes will be considered by UNESCO to be placed in its Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) as a part of Thailand’s cultural heritage. The dish perfectly represents the simplicity and lifestyle of Thai people according to organizers. Tom Yum Goong will now compete to join Khon and traditional Thai massage in the same list as both were previously registered in 2018 and 2019.

Thailand to nominate “Tom Yum Kung” to be placed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage 2021 list

2. Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot Covid-19 vaccine approved by Thai FDA, marking the third vaccine to be officially distributed in Thailand

Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccination becomes the third vaccine manufacturer that is approved to be distributed in Thailand by the FDA. However, the Thai government has no planned to purchase the vaccination just yet as they claimed that Thailand has its own vaccine production base “Siam Bioscience Company” that has already been approved to sufficiently produce about 200 million doses of AstraZeneca per year.

Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot Covid-19 vaccine approved by Thai FDA, marking the third vaccine to be officially distributed in Thailand

3. Thai economic committee approves in principle to welcome selected vaccinated foreign tourists to visit Thailand without state quarantine, piloting in Phuket

Thailand agrees to welcome selected vaccinated foreign tourists to visit Phuket without state quarantine in July, following the CESA meeting with the Prime Minister last week. TAT initially plans to allow a selected group of foreign tourists from Europe, the United Kingdom, Russia, United States, United Arab Emirates, and Scandinavian countries. It is worth noting that the plan is not yet finalized and still needs multiple other levels of approval, including from the CCSA and Thai cabinet committee.

CESA approves in principle to welcome selected vaccinated foreign tourists to visit Thailand without state quarantine, piloting in Phuket

4. Thai police disperses pro-democracy “Thalufah Village” overnight protest in Bangkok early this morning, 70 protesters detained

The crackdown began in the early hours of Sunday morning around 6:00 AM. About 70 camped-out protesters were detained and taken to Region 1 Border Police Bureau as they refused to leave the scene. The other 32 unarmed protesters were also captured in the evening of the same day as they ignored the police earlier dispersal and returned to the site in the afternoon, marking a total of 99 arrests in one day. Most of them were charged with violating the Communicable Disease Control Act and the Emergency Decree, according to the MPB commissioner. The majority of them still remain under police custody as of now.

Thai police disperses pro-democracy “Thalufah Village” overnight protest in Bangkok early this morning, 70 protesters detained

And that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.