Is it safe to visit Pattaya? And what are the current Thailand visa rules and regulations? To answer both those questions here are some commonsense safety tips for visitors to Pattaya, and links to resources where you can find all the latest Thailand travel warnings and visa requirements, including the latest information on the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic situation in Thailand.
More Pattaya, Thailand travel and safety articles:
COVID-19 Coronavirus Situation in Pattaya & Thailand Now (updated May 18 2020)
The ban on international passenger flights to Thailand has been extended to June 30, 2020. For more information and to check the current status, read this article on the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand website.
- The nationwide curfew has been adjusted, the new curfew hours are from 23:00 until 04:00.
- All shops and stores, including 24h-hour convenience stores and supermarkets will be closed during the curfew hours (see above)
- All nightlife venues are closed until further notice
- Drinking alcohol in public places is banned
- Beaches in Pattaya remain closed
- Body temperature will be checked before entering most stores, shops and markets
- Face masks MUST be worn outside the house
Reopening Venues and Businesses in Pattaya
The Pattaya lockdown has been lifted and checkpoints removed, there are now no restrictions for visitors entering Pattaya.
Shopping malls, such as Terminal 21 and Central Festival Beach are now allowed to open. There are restrictions on some businesses inside shopping malls – especially leisure facilities like cinema, bowling, and kids play areas will not be open. Before entering shopping malls and some businesses inside you may be required to scan a qr code, or show ID and leave your telephone number and sign your name if you do not have a smartphone or mobile data.
Restaurants: “small restaurants” are allowed to open again for dine-in – although social distancing must be strictly maintained, and no alcohol can be served.
The sale of alcohol: is now permitted, but the ban on drinking in public remains.
Public parks, golf courses, and fishing parks are open again.
Gyms are allowed to open but conditions regarding use of certain pieces of equipment apply.
Other businesses such as hair salons, where social distancing can be easily practiced – enforced may be open.
How many cases of COVID-19 in Pattaya?
Actually, it’s quite difficult to find exact numbers for Pattaya, but the PRPattaya Facebook page reported an accumulated total of 83 COVID-19 cases in Chonburi on April 15.
Pattaya & Thailand COVID-19 Hotlines
If you suspect you have COVID-19 and need help, or need to report a case of COVID-19 in Pattaya, the number given on the Pattaya City Hall PRPattaya Facebook page (see above) is 03-842-9166. Alternatively, you could use the general hotline number 1377.
The Thailand Ministry of Public Health COVID-19 hotline number is 1422.
Pattaya COVID-19 Coronavirus Updates
For updates regarding additional, or easing of restrictions due to the coronavirus in Pattaya – you can check the local newspapers such as Pattaya Mail, Pattaya One, or The Pattaya News.
The COVID-19 Coronavirus Situation in Thailand
Currently, all regions of Thailand are under curfew, the emergency decree will remain in place until further notice, borders are closed, and a ban on international passenger flights will remain in place until at least 30 June 2020.
Restrictions and prohibitions, such as beach closures, alcohol bans and lockdowns may vary from region to region, as required.
Thailand Coronavirus Situation Updates
If you’re a tourist stranded in Thailand due to the COVID-19 pandemic you should check for updates on your country’s embassy or consulate in Thailand website.
For general updates on the COVID-19 sitaution in Thailand I recommend you follow Richard Barrow on Facebook or Twitter, see below.
Visa Amnesty For Stranded Tourists in Thailand
For tourists with a valid visa or permission to stay after March 26 there is a visa amnesty (automatic visa extension), valid through to April 30. UPDATE: the visa amensty has now been extended to July 31, more details about the extension of the visa amnesty on the government PR website.
For more details about the visa amnesty, like who is affected, what visa types are included, and what you must do – refer to this article about visa amnesty on Thaiembassy.com.
Requirements For Flying To and From Thailand
The easiest way to check if you need things like travel insurance and a health certificate to enter or leave Thailand is to refer to Thai embassy/consulate in your country, your airline, or use the tools (see below) on the International Air Transport Association Travel Center website.
- Are passengers allowed to fly to Thailand?
- What documents are need to enter Thailand?
- Refer to the IATA travel center travel document news
- How many cigarettes can I take to Thailand?
- How much alcohol can I take to Thailand?
- How much money must I have on me when I enter Thailand?
- refer to the IATA Thailand customs information page
- What are the different types of visa for visitors to Thailand?
- Who can enter Thailand without a visa (visa exempt)?
- Who needs a visa on arrival in Thailand?
- Is there a Thai embassy or consulate in my country?
- More information at https://www.thaiembassy.com/