Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, October 4th to the 10th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. More than 80 percent of eligible students nationwide apply for first Pfizer vaccination, Thai Education Minister says
Last week was the first vaccine distribution for students aged 15-18 years with government-purchased Pfizer vaccines. The Education Minister revealed that 80 percent of students have applied for the vaccination and believed that there would be more registration once parents see that other students have been vaccinated without problems or side effects. She also stressed that although vaccination would not be mandatory for return to school, it would help rush the plan to return students to in-person schooling.
2. Thailand Tourism Authority plans to launch “Unlock Thailand” project in Chiang Mai in November, targeting Asian tourists
Unlike previous Sandbox projects implemented in Phuket and Samui, TAT’s Asian markets administration is planning to introduce a new tourism project titled “Unlock Thailand” to welcome vaccinated foreigners to Chiang Mai, primarily targeting two groups: ASEAN tourists and Asian tourists. The plan is set to be kicked off this November but the plan is still only a proposal and needs to be further discussed with the TAT and the government.
3. Thailand removed from the UK “red list”, list reduced to only seven countries
Following the removal which is effective on October 11th, visitors from the United Kingdom can now travel to Thailand without a mandatory quarantine upon return but still have to take a Covid-19 test on the day after their arrival back into the country. Moreover, the country has also accepted proof of vaccination of AstraZeneca and other major vaccine brands in Thailand, following previous confusion and anger on social media.
Thailand removed from the UK “red list”, list reduced to only seven countries
4. Thai Tourism Minister says five areas planned to reopen to vaccinated foreign tourists from November 1st will happen, includes Pattaya and Bangkok
The Tourism and Sports Minister says he is completely positive about the reopening plan to vaccinated foreign tourists without a strict quarantine in five popular tourist destinations, namely Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Cha-am, and Chonburi. The project, which will have to be finalized by the CCSA and the Prime Minister, would be a semi-normal opening in which no designated areas were listed upon traveling in the provinces.
And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
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