New Year’s celebrations postponed across Thailand
Thailand’s always ready for a party, especially to ring in the New Year. Tourist hotspots like Phuket and Pattaya are notorious for throwing the best NYE bashes. But, the recent spike in COVID-19 cases has resulted in the provinces’ government officials asking citizens to postpone their New Year’s celebrations.
A hit to tourism based economies
With lockdown measures being implemented in March 2020, the Phuket’s tourism-based economy took a huge hit. With parties being cancelled, it’s likely that tourism revenue will decrease once more.
Anthony Lark, the President of the Phuket Hotels Association, shared his worries that another potential lockdown is the final straw for tourism in Phuket on the Bangkok Post via The Thaiger .
Image credit: The Phuket News
Phuket’s Government Health Official Chief Thanit Sermakaew calls for all mass gatherings in Patong to be delayed, and that private events utilise COVID-19 protection measures that were announced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Supasorn.
Bans on mass gatherings
Safety is a high priority for both Phuket and Pattaya’s provincial officials.
Image credit: Pattaya Mail
Pattaya’s case numbers are still low compared to Phuket’s. However, Pattaya Governor Pakathorn Thienchai still ordered that all new year countdown events, which include gatherings at religious places, be cancelled.
Places like fresh markets, dining and entertainment venues will still continue social distancing measures in Pattaya.
Private gatherings at home
Many people have surely been looking forward to these celebrations, so the cancellations are a bummer.
However, staying at home with your friends and family this New Year’s is also a good option. With the year we’ve been through, we’re reminded that staying home for one night is totally do-able, especially if it’s with people you love.
Featured image adapted from: Thaifest, Traveling Lifestyle
Enjoying The Smart Local Thailand? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this.
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
