Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, December 20th to the 26th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. Thai FDA authorizes Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11
The Pfizer authorization was extended from previously for children aged 12 and over to children aged 5-11 years old. The vaccine became the first FDA-approved vaccine to be administered for children in this age range in Thailand and is now available for walk-in at various vaccination centers across the country. Children of the age range are recommended to receive two injections, each for 21 days apart.
Thai FDA authorizes Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11
2. Thai government suspends “Thailand Pass” “Test & Go” scheme to prevent Omicron infections, effective today
The immediate suspension came after an urgent CCSA meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, on Tuesday last week following major concerns of the rising of Omnicron imported cases and its local transmissions. The “Thailand Pass” registration for “Test&Go” no-quarantine tourism schemes is now canceled. However, about 90,000 registered arrivals who already registered for the application are allowed to arrive in the country although need to take an additional RT-PCR test and some other terms and conditions may apply. This has raised countless questions and confusion among both Thai and foreign arrivals who were planning to arrive in the country during the holiday season.
3. Bangkok authorities cancel its official New Year’s Eve activities due to Omicron concerns
The cancellation of New Year’s Eve events hosted by the BMA officials was confirmed on Thursday last week. This only includes authorities’ New Year’s Eve traditional activities and the New Year’s Eve prayer between December 31st, 2021, and January 1st, 2022 at the Bangkok City Hall. The countdown and other New Year’s celebrations by private sectors, including major department stores like Icon Siam and CentralWorld, can be organized but under strict preventive protocols since they have already been approved by the BMA authorities. TPN media notes that some private sector celebrations have announced scaling back or “online-only” celebrations, although Pattaya stated they will go ahead with their countdown activities.
Bangkok authorities cancel its official New Year’s Eve activities due to Omicron concerns
And, that is all for this week. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
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