Thread: Domestic overnight flight limited to control spread of Covid-19 in Thailand

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, also known as EXAT, issued several new guidelines for domestic flights in Thailand effective as of today, April 18th, 2021.


The announcement was made by Mr. Suthipong Kongpool, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.


The major change is that airlines are asked to “limit” flights between 11:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. for several reasons, the prime one being that currently in so-called red zones, which are the areas in Thailand that are under the highest Covid-19 controls, most businesses are closed between 11:00 P.M. and 4:00 A.M. and authorities are trying to limit the number of people out and about. It’s important to note there is no curfew, but the order in red zones closes even 7-11’s overnight.

Other changes include:


-Better notification and care for passengers if flights are canceled or changed, especially regarding the new “prohibition” of overnight flights.


-Consider an arrangement of seating to encourage social distancing on flights.


-Ensure operators are strictly following all Covid-19 related measures and social distancing measures, including newer ones that prohibit eating and drinking on board or having in-flight complimentary reading material.


-Flight operators must have a plan to immediately inform all passengers if a customer was found to have Covid-19 and take proper precautions around this.


This order is effective immediately and has no end date currently, only stated as being until further notice.

Thai Civil Aviation Authority limits domestic flights overnight to "control spread of Covid-19" in Thailand - The Pattaya News

Reduced hours for flights, but space out the seating will ya?

Originally Posted by misskit

-Consider an arrangement of seating to encourage social distancing on flights.

Maybe they think the virus is more active at night, after all the current wave comes from the nightlife sector

Enforcing social distancing but allowing planes (and coaches, and trains) where they hardly apply social distancing AND where the air is recycled (increasing the spread risk) seems illogical... Thailand is not the sole country with dumb practices (e.g curfews, confinements but people are still allowed to use crammed public transportation).