Pattaya’s October 1 Reopening On Track

According to Pattaya City Mayor Sonthaya Khunpluem, Pattaya will open for tourists on October 1, but the date may be postponed.

Mr. Sonthaya stated that the “Pattaya Moves On” program is still on schedule to reopen on October 1, as verified by the Tourism and Sports Ministry and Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Chon Buri is 1 of 5 provinces scheduled to reopen on October 1. Nevertheless, only popular tourist destination districts and areas would see tourism businesses resume.

The five provinces include Bangkok, Chon Buri (Bang Lamung, Sattahip, and Pattaya districts), Phetchaburi (Cha-am district), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), and Chiang Mai.

Yuthasak Supasorn announced on Saturday that all 5 provinces, Bangkok excluded, are already set for the tourism reopening.

Bangkok has continuously reported the highest daily number of infections – with Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang laying out 3 conditions for the capital’s return to tourism:

1. 1. 70% of the population has been fully vaccinated on or before October 22
   2. Daily infection rates have decreased significantly.
   3. Hospitalization rates have decreased significantly.

Gov. Aswin intended to reopen Bangkok around the 2nd week of November.

Mr. Sonthaya said on Tuesday that Pattaya is completely prepared to welcome foreign tourists on October 1, but he keeps his expectations low and creates room for disappointment if the date will be rescheduled again.

Pattaya Moves On sandbox program will comply with the exact requirements of Phuket’s tourist sandbox practices, which require foreign tourists to be fully inoculated, being subjected to COVID-19 test on their stay, and travel on selected routes.

“We will abide by any extra procedures put in place to ensure public health safety,” Mr. Sonthaya added.

Mr. Sonthaya said that vaccination rates were critical to reviving tourism.  He said that 70% of Pattaya residents are inoculated.

Source: Bangkok Post