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BMA decrees that alcohol to return, but to restaurants only, and only serving alcohol until 9pm

The BMA added further clarification to the recent CCSA announcement of Bangkok being included in the Blue Zone and therefore  allowed to serve alcohol, however this service is limited to 9pm.

Recently the CCSA designated Bangkok a blue zone, as well as Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket.  These blue zones are areas that designated for inbound tourists, with special rules and provisions to make these provinces both attractive and safe for tourists and current residents.  The blue zones are an extension to the pilot area of Phuket that was the pilot zone for what as now become the blue zone.

However, a day after the CCSA announcement, the communicable disease control committee of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has further ruled that Bangkok restaurants that want to serve alcohol must have SHA (Safety and Health Administration) certificates and must only sell alcohol up until 9pm.

In regards to other provinces and their zoning requirements, Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Friday that CCSA had approved key changes to coronavirus control zoning, which also included a drastic cut in the number of dark-red provinces for maximum control to seven from 23.

“We are already familiar with Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket which have been the sandbox provinces for the country reopening. … Bangkok is included here,” Dr Taweesilp said.

Bangkok Disease control officials have laid out the operating rules and conditions which are:

  • Nurseries, child development centres and special-needs child centres (The BMA Health Department will consider the opening of facilities based on suitability);
  • Care centres for the elderly (Both service recipients and officials must be fully vaccinated and random checks must be conducted every week);
  • Restaurants/eateries can open normally, but alcoholic drinks are allowed only at shops that meet SHA standards set by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and consumption must not extend beyond 9pm;
  • Cinemas can open with audience capacity limited to 75% of seats;
  • Convenience stores, fresh markets and flea markets can open normally;
  • Libraries and all kinds of museums can open, but food and drinks are not allowed and activities must not be organised;
  • Beauty clinics, beauty salons, nail salons and tattoo shops can open via appointment . Customers at tattoo shops must be fully vaccinated or have RT-PCR or ATK results within 72 hours;
  • Spas and Thai massage shops can open via appointment. Customers at tattoo shops must be fully vaccinated or have negative RT-PCR or ATK results within the previous 72 hours;
  • Public parks, sports grounds, stadiums, swimming pools and water activities can resume operation;
  • Gyms and fitness clubs must strictly abide by disease-control measures. For spas, customers must be fully vaccinated or have negative RT-PCR or ATK results within the previous 72 hours);
  • Stadiums can stage events but all spectators must be fully vaccinated or have negative RT-PCR or ATK results within the previous 72 hours);
  • Hotels, exhibition halls and convention centres can open, but alcohol consumption is prohibited. There must be break times for air ventilation and meals must be served to guests separately;
  • Shopping malls and community malls can open normally but activities with large crowds are discouraged;
  • Playhouses and theatres require permission from the BMA Health Department;
  • Boxing and martial arts schools and dance schools require permission from the BMA Health Department;
  • Weight-control services, amulet centres, zoos and animal shows can open;
  • Children’s playgrounds require permission from district offices in their areas;
  • Water parks and amusement parks can open.

The new arrangement of zones is as follows.

Dark Red : Chanthaburi, Tak, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla

RED: Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Chachoengsao, Trang, Trat, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Prachin Buri, Ayutthaya, Phatthalung, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchaburi, Phetchabun, Rayong, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Lop Buri, Satun, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Saraburi, Sa Kaeo, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Ang Thong, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani.

ORANGE: Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Buri Ram, Phayao, Phrae, Maha Sarakham, Mae Hong Son, Yasothon, Roi Et, Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Sing Buri, Sukhothai, Surin, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani, Amnat Charoen and Si Sa Ket.

YELLOW: Nakhon Phanom, Nan, Bung Kan, Mukdahan and Sakon Nakhon

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march, 2024