Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, August 30th to September 5th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. No enforcement of vaccinations and Covid-19 negative tests required for businesses reopening in September for now, authorities confirm
The reopening of businesses and other easing of restrictions in dark-red zone provinces had already started since the start of September under the “Universal Prevention” program. Despite the fact that the requirements of vaccine records and Covid-19 negative results are not allowed upon visiting public places, people are advised to remain cautious and self-protection at all times. The CCSA will review the orders on the 14th day of the implementation. However, the Public Health Ministry said they are still considering the proposal of vaccine passports for “high-risk” businesses to be in effect in October.
2. Phuket remains essentially closed for non-Sandbox tourists until mid-September but to welcome domestic tourists with restrictions from September 8th
As the number of daily infections has still reached an average of 200 cases a day, the Phuket authorities have extended the island closure for non-Sandbox tourists until September 14th. However, in order to sustain the domestic business and economy, the island will welcome Thai tourists from September 8th onwards to travel under some requirements. Sandbox tourists are also allowed to re-enter the island after taking approved trips to other islands through the Sandbox program. More details of the requirements can be found in the full article.
3. Pongsakorn Paeyo wins third gold medal at Tokyo Paralympics T53 wheelchair race yesterday
The Paralympics Games has been going strong for Thailand as it has won a total of 15 medals, including four golds, four silvers, and seven bronzes. Three out of four gold medals were collected by record-breaker and wheelchair racer Pongsakorn “Korn” Paeyo in Men’s 100m, 400m, and 800m T53 classifications. He and another 68 athletes and coaches have safely arrived in Phuket today for quarantine and participated in Phuket Sandbox project.
Pongsakorn Paeyo wins third gold medal at Tokyo Paralympics T53 wheelchair race yesterday
4. Thai Prime Minister survives no-confidence vote as do other targeted government ministers
As expected by many anti-government activists, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha survived his third censure debate with 264 votes of support, 208 against, and 3 abstentions, marking the second-lowest amount of support votes among those involved in the debate. Some oppositional MPs saw this as a sign of internal conflict among the coalition parties and doubts against the Prime Minister. The results, however, will likely prompt more staged protests from pro-democracy protesters who continue to demand the ouster of the Prime Minister.
Thai Prime Minister survives no-confidence vote as do other targeted government ministers
And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
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