Thailand week in review: Emergency Decree extended until July, Phuket Sandbox still on, Discovery of C.36.3 Covid-19 variant

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, May 24th to the 30th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

PHOTO: BMA Health

1. Thai Cabinet officially extends Emergency Decree until the end of July

The extension has been continuously in effect for more than a year since the first pandemic outbreak in March of last year. The Emergency Decree has now been extended for two months, until July 31st, under the government authority to implement restrictions with strict penalties and fines in order to help control the Covid-19 Coronavirus and protect public health, according to the government.

Thai Cabinet officially extends Emergency Decree until the end of July

2. TAT reaffirms Phuket Sandbox project, starting July 1st, to welcome fully vaccinated foreigners without state quarantine

The Tourism Authority of Thailand publicly confirmed via a letter that the Phuket Sandbox project will stick to its original opening plan on July 1st, allowing fully vaccinated foreign tourists to visit the island without quarantine before traveling to the rest of the country. The project is likely to be according to the plan as yesterday, Phuket authorities also announced to relax several Covid-19 restrictions from tomorrow as the number of infections is reportedly decreasing in the island and the vaccine allocation is undergoing.

TAT reaffirms Phuket Sandbox project, starting July 1st, to welcome fully vaccinated foreigners without state quarantine

3. Thailand’s Department of Medical Science explains how new C.36.3 Covid-19 variant should not be called the “Thai Covid strain”

Regarding the announcement of the Public Health England that a recently-found C.36.3. Covid-19 variant reportedly originated from Thailand had been detected among people who had arrived from Egypt, Thailand’s Department of Medical Science then clarified that the specified variant should not be called as “Thai variant” as it is currently was under investigation. According to the department the strain was reportedly found among a group of tourists from Egypt who had entered state quarantine in Thailand, this variant did not start in Thailand, mutate in Thailand, have any public spread in Thailand, or come from a Thai national. Therefore, calling it the “Thai Variant” is incorrect, according to the Director-General.

Thailand’s Department of Medical Science explains how new C.36.3 Covid-19 variant should not be called the “Thai Covid strain”

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.