Aruna Gaitonde
Editor-in-Chief of the Asian Bureau, Mumbai 
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has taken all steps to curb the new wave COVID-19 infections in the country by providing the updates to travellers regarding the Royal Thai Government’s announcement on the strengthened COVID-19 control measures to contain local transmission.
According to reports, the latest restrictions will likely be in place for two weeks. Thereafter, the government will evaluate the situation based on the number of new infections.
The latest restrictions include:
The classification of 18 provinces as highly controlled areas or red zone following a surge in community transmission. These include the capital Bangkok and region by region as… Central: Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, and Suphan Buri; East: Chon Buri, Rayong, and Sa Kaeo; North: Chiang Mai; Northeast: Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Udon Thani; South: Phuket and Songkhla, and West: Prachuap Khiri Khan and Tak.
And most importantly, the public are encouraged to cancel or postpone inter-provincial travel at this time, or must undergo strict screening measures, which may cause inconvenience.
Also, the public are encouraged to avoid holding social activities; such as, parties or banquets, with exception for traditional ceremonies, which must be held under strict communicable disease control measures.
The Private-sector organisations are also encouraged to allow work from home options. The above measures may be changed depending on the situation and deemed appropriate by the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) under the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), as well as the governors of Bangkok and 76 other provinces.
In addition, the public should note that some tourist attractions are temporarily closed. Thailand will temporarily close few ‘attractions’ nationwide during April ‘21 to curb spread of COVID-19.
The TAT has also provided the following updates for travellers regarding the temporary closure of tourist attractions in different locations in Thailand, as part of the nationwide effort to curb the spread of the recent community transmission of COVID-19.
The list is as follows:
Central – Ayutthaya: Closed until further notice: Arts of the Kingdom Museum and Bang Pa-In Palace.
Bangkok: Closed until further notice: Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, Siriraj Museum, and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
Nakhon Sawan: Closed until further notice: Bueng Boraphet, Chan Saen Museum, Kaeng Ko Yai, Kaeng Lan Nokyung, and Khlong Khang Pier Market.
Museum of the Giant King Crocodile “Phaya Daeng Koei Chai” : Closed until 30 May
Phetchabun: Closed until further notice: Khao Kho National Park
Saraburi: Closed until 23 April: Thai-Danish Farm
Suphanburi: Closed until 31 May: Pu Toei National Park
Uthai Thani: Closed until further notice: Ban Chai Khao Viewpoint, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Huai Khun Kaeo Dam, Hup Pa Tat, Kaen Makrut Botanical Garden, Khao Pla Ra, Namtok Pha Rom Yen, Pang Sawan Weir, Sao Hai Market, Samo Thong Hot Spring, Tham Khao Phraya Phairue, Tham Phu Wai, Thap Salao Dam, the giant tree of Ban Sa Nam, Trok Rong Ya Walking Street, Wat Pha Tung, Wat Tha Sung (Chantaram), Wat Tham Khao Wong, Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri, and Wat Uposatharam
East Chanthaburi: Closed until further notice: Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Centre
Rayong: Closed until further notice: Wang Chan Forest Learning Centre
North - Chiang Mai: Closed until 18 April: Doi Mae Tho National Park, Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Doi Suthep–Pui National Park, Doi Wiang Pha National Park, Khun Khan National Park, Mae Ping National Park, Mae Takhrai National Park, Nam Tok Bua Tong-Nam Phu Chet Si National Park, and Op Khan National Park
Closed until 20 April: Huai Nam Dang National Park
Closed until 30 April: Mae Kham Pong
Closed until further notice: Bhubing Palace and Srilanna National Park
Chiang Rai: Closed until further notice: Doi Luang National Park
Lampang: Closed until further notice: Chae Son National Park and Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang
Mae Hong Son: Closed until further notice: Ban Tham Lot, Ban Huai Hia, and Ban Huai Suea Thao tourism villages
Nan: Closed until further notice: Kuang Mueang Walking Street and Wat Phumin’s ordination hall
Phitsanulok: Closed until further notice: Namtok Chat Trakan National Park, Wang Chan Palace’s historical, and Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat’s main hall
Closed until 30 April: Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
Phrae: Closed until further notice: Ban Mae Pan rafting village
Uttaradit: Closed until further notice: Phu Soi Dao National Park
Northeast - Amnat Charoen: Closed until 18 April: Kaeng Khan Sung
Chaiyaphum: Closed until further notice: Pa Hin Ngam National Park, Phu Lanka National Park and Tat Ton National Park
Khon Kaen: Closed until further notice: Ubol Ratana Dam
Nakhon Ratchasima: Closed until further notice: Hat Chom Tawan in Thap Lan National Park
Si Sa Ket: Closed until 31 May: Khao Phra Wihan National Park
Ubon Ratchathani: Closed 1 May until 30 June: Pha Taem National Park Closed 1 May until 30 September: Cha Na Dai Viewpoint
Udon Thani: Closed until 22 April: Kham Chanot
South Songkhla: Closed until further notice: City Park, Chalathat Beach, Laem Son On, Samila Beach – Kite Park, Seri Park, and Suan Song Thale Park
West Kanchanaburi: Closed until further notice: Chong Khao Khat Museum (The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum) and Hin Dat Hot Spring
Phetchaburi: Closed until further notice: Chang Hua Man Royal Project, Laem Phak Bia Royal Project, Maruekhathaiyawan Palace, Sea Farm Model Royal Project, Phra Ram Ratchaniwet (Wang Ban Puen), and Pong Luk Bang Kloi and Ban Krang Ranger Stations in Kaeng Krachan National Park
Tak: Closed until further notice: Doi Thu Le
