The government has announced that they are eliminating the maximum Covid-19 control zones and increasing the tourism pilot zones this week.
On Monday, the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)’s spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuy
The yellow or high surveillance zones would be raised from 24 to 30 provinces, Dr. Taweesilp added.
Authorities also increased the number of blue zones or tourism pilot zones from seven to eight. The group now includes Bangkok, Chon Buri, Krabi, Phuket, Kanchanaburi, Nonthaburi, Phangnga, Pathum Thani, and Nonthaburi. In total, 26 provinces have districts declared as pilot tourism zones, the government spokesman explained.
Dr. Taweeslip also announced that other provinces and districts would become pilot tourism areas from January 1, including Sa Kaeo (Muang and Aranyaprathet districts), Bung Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan (Muang district), Trat (Khlong Yai district), and Ubon Ratchathani (Muang and Sirindhorn districts).
By eliminating red zones and increasing the tourist areas, the government has relaxed restrictions on the number of participants allowed in sports activities and meeting places.
However, the ban on alcohol consumption in restaurants will remain in force. Entertainment areas and water parks in shopping centers will also remain closed.
According to the latest official announcement, the 39 provinces coded as “orange zones” or control are Chanthaburi, Khon Kaen, Chachoengsao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chumphon, Trang, Trat, Tak, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Lop Buri, Narathiwat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Pattani, Prachin Buri, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Ayutthaya, Phatthalung, Phitsanulok, Phetchaburi, Phetchabun, Mae Hong Son, Yala, Ranong, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Lampang, Lampang, Lampang Songkhla, Sa Kaeo, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani.
The 30 so-called “yellow zones” or high surveillance provinces include Ang Thong, Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Sawan, Nan, Bung Kan, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Phichit, Phayao, Phrae, Roi Et, Loei, Si Sa Ket, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Songkhram, Sing Buri, Sukhothai, Surin, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani and Yasothon.
