Expats In Pattaya Hit By Yet More Local Travel Rules

Thailand’s infamous sin city of Pattaya is now under even tougher measures in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Although Thailand’s total numbers of covid-19 infections and deaths seems far lower than in the majority of other affected world countries, it seems some regions are worse affected than others. Known as ‘party central’ or ‘sin city’, Pattaya’s popularity with older male Westerners is well-known, and its tourism revenue was high as a result until the arrival of the unwelcome Chinese visitor covid-19.

The city government wasn’t backward in coming forward once the virus was detected but the measures taken don’t seem to have had the desired effect as yet, leading the governor to bring in stricter controls for both Thais and the large expat population. Unsurprisingly given the rising wave of xenophobia across the entire country, expats, tourists and foreigners in general must now carry their passport with them when travelling anywhere in the city and its surrounding smaller districts. The rule starts tomorrow and will continue provisionally until April 30, with Thai citizens also told to carry their ID cards at all times.

In addition, checkpoints are to be set up on all roads leading out of the city, as well as at the main intersection between the city itself and its intriguingly named ‘Dark Side’. Motorists stopped will be checked for high temperatures, questioned as to their motive for travel and should be wearing masks even in their cars, In addition, a bottle of hand-sanitiser must be carried in vehicles. For expats, strong advice is being given as regards carrying a proof of address as well as a document giving the reason for the journey.

Valid driving licenses show addresses as do receipts for the TM30 immigration form, and other useful documents include air tickets and evidence of work addresses. Local social media outlets are giving clarification as regards allowed destinations for shopping, with local police insisting the new rules are not a lockdown but adding all those on the roads should be ready to explain further as well as showing the required documents.