Thai Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin is scheduled to meet with representatives of musicians, artists, pubs and bars today (Monday), to discuss their problems and ways to ease their suffering, since entertainment venues closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand.

The assistance is a part of the government’s policy not leave any group of people affected by the pandemic behind.

Bars and pubs, as well as musicians working in them, are appealing to the government to be allowed to resume business, especially during the festive season, so they can make a living after two years of closures and job losses.

The government, via the Centre for COVID-10 Situation Administration (CCSA), has decided to extend the closures until January 16^th, due to concerns over the possible spread of the virus. 

Lately, however, the CCSA did hint at the possibility of an earlier reopening, if the COVID-19 situation improves. 

Meanwhile, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he chaired a meeting today between the operations centre, tackling tourism and sports-related emergency situations, and representatives of various associations in the tourism sector.

Many eateries are demanding to sell alcohol in the premises up to 11pm or midnight, instead of just until 9pm, during the lead-up to and over the New Year holidays. The CCSA announced on Friday that from Jan 16^th onwards, the venues in “sandbox” provinces and provinces “under watch” which pass COVID safety assessments can serve alcohol until 11 pm.

The minister said that, to accommodate the demand, the centre will discuss workable preventive measures for imposition in the eateries, especially those located in tourism promotion areas, were drinking hours to be extended.