Thailand to re-open bars and allow in some foreign travellers

[BANGKOK] Thailand will allow pubs and bars to re-open on Wednesday and plans to let in some foreign travellers after recording five weeks without any community transmission of the coronavirus, a government official said.

Pubs, bars and karaoke venues will be able to operate until midnight as long as they follow safety guidelines such as ensuring two metre spaces between tables.

"Alcohol consumption could reduce discipline so there will be close monitoring before customers enter venues," Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesperson for the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, told a briefing on Monday.

Foreigners with work permits, residency and families in Thailand will also be able to enter the country, but will be subject to a 14-day quarantine.

Mr Taweesin said foreigners seeking certain types of medical treatment such as some cosmetic surgery or fertility treatment could also be allowed into the country.

Business visitors from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China and Hong Kong could also be exempted from a two-week quarantine period under a fast track entry if they have certificates to show they were free from Covid-19 and were tested upon arrival.

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The country's aviation regulator has banned international flights since April.

"There is no proposal to change the flight suspension and travellers can return with repatriation flights and special flights," he said.

The government's coronavirus task force will recommend the extension of the emergency decree until the end of July for cabinet's approval on Tuesday.

The coronavirus has killed 58 people in Thailand, among 3,169 infections, while 3,053 patients have recovered.

But the country has gone 35 days without community transmission and new cases have been among Thais returning from abroad and detected during quarantine.

REUTERS