Thailand nears deadline to reopen – but Bangkok needs more time

20 Sept 05:57 Key points summarised by AI

Bangkok and four other key provinces are expected to postpone their reopening for fully vaccinated international arrivals without quarantine from October 1st to November 1st.
Bangkok's reopening is conditional on achieving a 70% full vaccination rate, sustained decline in new COVID-19 cases, and reduced hospital occupancy.
As of September 21, only 41.92% of Bangkok residents were fully vaccinated, falling short of the 70% target, despite a high first-dose rate and improving infection statistics.
The delay impacts the business sector's hopes for economic recovery, as a reopened Bangkok could attract significant international tourism, potentially bringing 100,000-150,000 visitors and substantial revenue.

Uthenthawai students and alumni declare truce with Pathumwan rivals

Yesterday 20:34 Key points summarised by AI

Uthenthawai students and alumni have pledged to cease violent clashes with Pathumwan Institute rivals, coinciding with their campus's reopening after a 90-day closure.
The Minister of Higher Education is mediating the long-running conflict, while the campus closure has significantly disrupted in-person classes and laboratory work for over 1,000 students.
Uthenthawai resists relocation from its current site, citing a historical land grant from King Rama VI, despite Chulalongkorn University's plans to reclaim the land for an educational hub.
Concerns are mounting over the legality of the campus closure, its detrimental impact on uninvolved students, and the potential commercial development of the land, which critics argue contradicts the late King Rama VI's intentions.