The Thai government appears to have made a u-turn on the requirement to allow only people vaccinated against COVID-19 to visit restaurants from September 1.
The requirement, which was announced by the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) last week, caused widespread criticism from the public, business leaders and restaurant owners alike.
According to the CCSA announcement, customers would be required to present a green or yellow vaccination card proving they had been vaccinated or a negative COVID-19 test within the last seven days.
However, on Sunday evening (Aug 29) the requirement was strangely omitted from the publication of the easing of restrictions in the Royal Gazette.
The lack of inclusion in the Royal Gazette means there is no legal requirement for restauranteurs to only allow people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to use their restaurant.
The only requirements listed in the Royal Gazette are that from September 1, restaurants can stay open until 8pm.
In door restaurants can only operate to 50 percent capacity, while outside restaurants can open to 75 percent capacity.
The sale of alcohol in restaurants remains prohibited.
For Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan, the provincial governor has the authority to issue his own set of rules and regulations, which are expected to be released within the next 24 hours.
