Talent & Tech Asia Summit 2024
10 businesses that can operate in Thailand's dark-red zones

10 businesses that can operate in Thailand's dark-red zones

Educational centres and entertainment sites are allowed to operate, but must keep within restricted capacity. 

This story is updated with the latest measures, effective 1 October 2021 (Friday).

Thailand's COVID-19 Information Centre, which is part of the Public Relations Department, released a revised "relaxed" list of businesses that can operate in dark-red zones. This also includes standard operating measures (SOPs) which "were approved after the meeting of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration."

As a reminder, provinces in dark-red zones are: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi Chonburi Chachoengsao, Tak, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Narathiwat, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Prachinburi, Pattani, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, Phetchabun, Yala, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Lopburi, Songkhla, Singburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Saraburi Suphanburi, and Ang Thong.

With that, these businesses can operate with the following SOPs:

  • Child development centre and preschools.

"It can be operated but must be considered by the Provincial Communicable Disease Committee and the Bangkok Communicable Disease Committee by the Ministry of Public Health," the Information Centre stated.

  • Public library, community library, private libraries, and book houses.
  • Museums.
  • Learning centre, centre for science and education, science park, science and cultural centre, or art gallery.

In the case of learning and educational centres, owners must note that these premises are open to a limited number of people, such as 75% capacity. And no eating within the premises is allowed.

  • Nail salons.

The Information Centre noted: "But visitors need to make an appointment before visiting."

  • Tattoo parlours.

For this, it was highlighted that visitors not only have to make an appointment before visiting, but also ensure they are: one, fully-vaccinated, or two, have negative ATK or RT-PCR test results within 72 hours.

  • Health establishments (i.e. massage, spa), but not services that use steam.

Likewise, visitors have to make an appointment, and ensure they are either fully-vaccinated or have tested negative for ATK or RT-PCR test within the last 72 hours. For this, however, visitors can enjoy the service time for no more than two hours per person.

  • Movie theatre or movie screening business.

Business can remain open until 9pm, while abiding to one metre of social distancing measures and operate with about 50% capacity. Visitors are to wear masks at all times, and are not allowed to eat within the premises.

  • Live music in restaurants.

According to the Information Centre, this is limited to no more than three musicians. Further, musicians are to wear masks all the time, except the singer. In this regard, operators must abide social distancing measures, and ensure there are sufficient air circulation.

  • Exhibition centre, convention centre, or exhibition sites.

These are to remain closed.


In separate news, Thailand's Public Relations Department had released the latest COVID-19 restriction measures for 29 provinces in dark-red zones, effective 1 October 2021 (Friday). The measures are as follows:

  • The curfew time has been adjusted to 10pm to 4am. This adjustment will last for 15 days.
  • Gatherings of more than 25 persons are not allowed.
  • Non-air conditioned eateries are allowed to operate with 75% capacity, while air-conditioned ones are allowed to operate with 50% capacity. Eateries should be closed by 9pm. Alcohol are not allowed to be sold or consumed within the premises.
  • Music performances are allowed.
  • Malls and department stores should be closed by 9pm.
  • Arcades, amusement parks, convention halls, and exhibition halls are not allowed to operate.
  • Beauty salons, massage parlours, spas, beauty clinics should be closed by 9pm. Saunas or wellness services that requires steam are not allowed to operate.
  • Schools and educational institutes may use their buildings. Activities that require gathering must be approved by the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, and the Provincial Communicable Disease Committee.
  • Sports stadium are allowed to operate, but should be closed by 9pm. Its capacity should be kept at a limit.

ALSO READ6 FAQs about Thailand's latest measures on vaccination, inter-provincial & international travel, and more


Image / COVID-19 Information Centre's Facebook

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!

Free newsletter

Get the daily lowdown on Asia's top Human Resources stories.

We break down the big and messy topics of the day so you're updated on the most important developments in Asia's Human Resources development – for free.

subscribe now open in new window