Looking Beyond 2021: Vaccine Access for Thailand
Article by Silada Rojratanakiat It is a challenge to comprehend Thailand’s COVID 19 vaccine strategy in the big picture, as nowadays, the headlines overwhelm society with criticisms, such as the slow pace of vaccinations and vaccine shortages. It is understandable that an increasingly complex environment should not be ignored, and…
Thai Government Asks Universities and Schools to Reduce Tuition Fees
Thailand’s Ministry of the Higher Education Science Research and Innovation has asked universities and schools to reduce their tuition fees by up to 50%, to help families cope with the difficult situation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Anek Laothammatas said the government will also provide subsidies to the universities and…
Phang Nga and Krabi Prepare Andaman “Sandbox” Scheme for Foreign Tourists
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revealed that Phang Nga and Krabi provinces are preparing to welcome foreign tourists back under the “Andaman Sandbox” scheme, which is scheduled to launch on 1 August 2021. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the proposal for the Andaman “sandbox” scheme was submitted to…
Thailand’s State-run Transport Company Suspends All Bus Services until 2 August
Thailand’s state-run Transport Company has suspended all bus services on the northern, northeastern, eastern and southern routes, except parcel deliveries, until 2 August. Company president Sanyalak Panwattanalikit said the move is in compliance with the government announcement of 17 July, requiring people to suspend or delay interprovincial travel to help…
Three COVID-19 Vaccines Produced in Thailand Will Be Ready for Administration by Next Year
The Thai government announced, via the Thai Khu Fah Facebook page on 20 July, that three locally produced COVID-19 vaccines will be ready for administration by next year. The first, CU-Cov19 (mRNA), is being developed in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania, and is…
Phuket Heightens COVID-19 Control Measures
Phuket province has strengthened COVID-19 control measures as the number of new infections has reached about a dozen each day, while the Phuket “sandbox” tourism reopening program continues. Provincial governor Narong Woonsiew said a set of new COVID-19 control measures, aimed at stemming the spread of the highly contagious Delta…
Interprovincial travel services adjusted from 21 July 2021
According to the newest round of COVID-19 restrictions, air, boat, and bus services see suspension; some continuing as normal. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update on interprovincial air, bus, and boat travel within Thailand following the newest round of COVID-19 restrictions for the Maximum…
Thailand’s Treasury Department Eyes Reduction of Land and Building Rental Fees
Thailand’s Treasury Department might consider lowering its land and building rental fees to 25% of its normal rate on a case-by-case basis, with the aim of easing the burden on tenants, given the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Department Director-General Yuttana Yimgarun said many tenants have been suffering from declining revenues since…
More Restrictions Imposed in Maximum and Strict COVID-19 Control Zone
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has signed an announcement on Regulation No. 28 tightening measures against COVID-19 in the “maximum and strict COVID-19 control zone (dark red zone).” The regulation, which was published in the Royal Gazette on 18 July 2021, was issued under Section 9 of the Emergency…
Thailand’s “Samui Plus Model” hopes to draw 1,000 foreign tourists in a month
After two weeks of the Phuket Sandbox program, it has generated over 500 million baht for the country. The government now expects that the similar “Samui Plus Model” will do as well as Phuket, welcoming over 1,000 foreign tourists in a month. The spokesperson of the Center for Economic Situation…