Phuket –
Phuket authorities have ordered more strict preventive measures following increasing Covid-19 infections on the island, especially in Soi Bangla, Patong.
Pichet Panaphong, Deputy Governor of Phuket, revealed to the Associated Press yesterday, November 27th, after the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee meeting that several tourists, both Thai and foreign, were neglecting Covid19 rules and not protecting themselves by wearing a mask and performing social distancing.
The authorities have consulted the consulates to remind their residents to acknowledge and comply with the regulations of Thailand. Meanwhile, further tightening preventive measures will also be implemented, according to the deputy governor.
Tourists who were found to not wear facial masks would be initially warned. But if they continued to refuse to obey the regulation, they could be facing a maximum fine of 20,000 baht.
“if the establishment’s owners were also not cooperating in warning their customers, they could be facing a hefty fine and possibly the temporary closure of their business. In addition, warning signs would be installed in the area of major tourist attractions such as Soi Bangla and Patong to remind tourists to protect themselves by wearing masks and perform social distancing at all times,” Pichet concluded.
As of press time, rumors that Soi Bangla would be entirely closed temporarily remained only that, rumors, with officials stressing they did not want to punish all business owners this way and preferred everyone to cooperate with Covid19 measures. Technically, bars and nightlife are legally closed, however, in reality many venues have become “restaurants”, as a grey area to allow themselves to open.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=–=–=–=–==-
Need Covid-19 insurance for your next trip to Thailand? Click here.
Follow us on Facebook
Join us on LINE for breaking alerts!
