Thailand

Thailand is closing bars and clubs in dozens of provinces, the latest move to contain an outbreak of the coronavirus. The actions come as residents are about to celebrate a national holiday.

Visitor counts are gradually increasing across the state and the vast majority are domestic passengers—a trend that’s true around the world. But in parts of the Asia Pacific, preparations are underway to welcome more international travelers.

It’s been nearly six months since Hawaii started its “Safe Travels” program, which now allows visitors on most islands to skip quarantine with a negative COVID-19 test. Other locations are more cautious with entry requirements, but some are considering easing certain restrictions. And that includes Thailand.

The United States is sanctioning the military leaders in Myanmar, following last week's coup. While political uncertainty continues in that country, protests are increasing in neighboring Thailand.

One of the questions surrounding the pandemic is when students should return to in-classroom learning. The answers are mixed, both here in Hawaii and in places from Chicago to California. It's also a matter of debate in Thailand, where most classes are moving ahead this week.

Several parts of Asia that were successful in dealing with containing the early wave of coronavirus are now facing new challenges with the disease. And that includes Thailand

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, each country has adopted its own policies to control the spread of the virus — with mixed success. Thailand has had a relatively low number of cases, but a new spike has led to a quick and concentrated response from the government.

COVID-19 vaccines are just starting to make their way through the first phase of health workers in Hawaii. But a number of tourism destinations are already adjusting some of their policies and plans when it comes to visitors.

The next potential point of conflict for protestors and government security forces in Thailand may be coming tomorrow. Activists have scheduled a demonstration near the headquarters of the organization that manages property belonging to the country’s monarchy. And police are already issuing warnings.

Thailand’s Prime Minister says he’ll make “the first move to de-escalate” a growing protest movement in his country. He made that comment in a nationally televised address last night, on the same day the country welcomed its first tourists in more than six months.

Thailand’s government has declared a state of emergency because of continuing protests in the capital city of Bangkok. It’s the latest development in a movement that has been going on for months.

Hawaii is not the only tourist destination preparing for the eventual return of visitors. Thailand is moving ahead with plans to accept visitors, but very gradually.

Police in Thailand are filing charges against more than a dozen individuals following protests this past weekend in Bangkok.

Anti-government protestors in Thailand are planning their biggest rally to date this weekend. Organizers say they expect as many as a hundred thousand people to show up in the streets of Bangkok. So far, the government is reacting with caution.

Hawaii’s tourism timetable remains uncertain. Three weeks ago today, Governor David Ige extended the mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers until at least October 1st. In Southeast Asia, plans for another tourist hub to start to re-open on that date are likely to be pushed back.

The hospitality business is still on hold in Hawaii at least through the end of September, and possibly longer. Elsewhere in the Pacific, some popular tourist locations are taking different approaches when it comes to re-opening.

This week, police in Thailand arrested the leaders of a pro-democracy movement. Protests have been going on for several weeks — and those demonstrating against the current government are using a particular sign of defiance.

Political demonstrations are continuing in Thailand. Over the weekend, police estimated more than 10,000 people rallied against the government, and protestors are increasing the pressure.

The timetable for increased tourism remains uncertain. That’s true for Hawaii, but it’s also true for much of the world. And in one part of Southeast Asia, government leaders are proposing a new approach.

Thailand’s government plans to extend its state of emergency for another month—at least until the end of August. At the same time, officials have announced several steps to gradually open the country a bit more.

In less than four weeks, Hawaii will be open to travelers who can prove they’ve recently tested negative for the coronavirus. Other tourist spots around the world are considering the timing and other logistics of re-opening. And that includes a beach destination in Thailand that’s popular with international tourists.

One of the latest locations to ease public restrictions imposed after the coronavirus pandemic is Thailand.

Government officials in Hawaii and many other travel destinations are trying to figure out how to safely encourage tourism. In southeast Asia, the short-term answer is closer to home.

Hawaii is far from the only place in the world that’s debating what to do about tourism. There’s another oceanfront destination that’s making some small moves this week, and still considering possibilities over the longer term.

One of the biggest western tourist attractions in Asia is open for business this week. Shanghai Disneyland limited visitors to a third of its capacity on Monday, and staggered entry times. But a return of international tourism to the region will require much more than facemasks and social distancing. And that includes a favorite destination for Chinese travelers: Thailand.

Different states and countries are adopting various approaches when it comes to the possibility of gradually re-opening. There’s a country in Southeast Asia whose economy is dependent on tourism, and is considering a gradual loosening of a national lockdown.

While tourists are still emptying out of Hawaii, they are now being shut out of another popular oceanfront vacation destination. One of the most popular beach attractions in Thailand is totally closing down to all travelers.

Thailand is one of the latest countries to declare a state of emergency. It goes into effect today — and lasts at least through the end of April.

The numbers of those affected by the coronavirus are continuing to rise. But the virus and the measures taken to fight it are having different impacts in various locations — including in the Asia Pacific.