Eight business associations have submitted a joint letter to the Secretary-General of the National Security Council, the Director of the CCSA, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Minister of Public Health, urgently requesting the consideration to ease the lockdown for shopping centers, community malls, various businesses, and golf courses. This situation has led to significant layoffs and has severely impacted the overall economy of the country.

Ms. Suphanavit Iamsakulrat, CEO of The KE Group Co., Ltd., representing the Thai Shopping Center Association and the working group of the 8 business associations, disclosed that the Thai Shopping Center Association, the Restaurant Business Association, the Thai Furniture Industry Group, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Private Clinic Association, the Thai Hairdressing Professionals Association, the Thai Spa Business Association, the Thai Garment Industry Association, and the Thai Golf Association, a total of 8 related associations, have moved forward to submit a letter to General Natthapol Nakpanit, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, and the Director of the CCSA, as well as Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, proposing a plan to reduce the lockdown level to maintain economic stability. They also presented a plan to reopen shopping centers, community malls, and various businesses in shopping centers and golf courses, along with strict operational measures to ensure safe service delivery after being affected by the government's lockdown announcements that have led to periodic business closures. Both operators and employees have faced significant economic and social challenges, and the facts show that the infection rates originating from shopping centers, community malls, and golf courses are very low. Moreover, the general public has become more aware of hygiene practices and is cautious about traveling and moving only when necessary. Currently, furniture stores, as indicated by the Thai Furniture Industry Group, have seen an increase in demand from customers working from home, and the risk of infection is minimal compared to exhibition areas. Importantly, shopping centers and community malls have good and standardized health measures.

The economic damage from the lockdown of shopping centers, community malls, restaurants, and various stores amounts to over 700 billion baht and continues to rise. This represents a significant loss and has led to a severe economic recession. The private sector is ready to cooperate in strictly adhering to health standards to ensure the safety of the public using services in shopping centers, stores, restaurants, and golf courses. They request that the CCSA and the Ministry of Public Health consider a phased reopening and have a clear unlocking plan so that operators and the public can be informed in advance, possibly using criteria similar to those in other countries, such as vaccination rates among the population.

“From case studies in New York, USA, and several other countries such as the UK, Singapore, Italy, the Netherlands, Israel, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, they have been reopening shopping centers, stores, restaurants, and golf courses for normal operations since February. Many countries use the vaccination rate among the population as a key factor, which ranges from 45% to 70%. It has been observed that the trend of infections and mortality rates has been decreasing accordingly. Therefore, it is noted that Bangkok has over 80% of its population vaccinated, and Thailand has a lower infection rate compared to several of the aforementioned countries.

In summary, we urge the CCSA and the Ministry of Public Health to prioritize the management of vaccine distribution to ensure it is widespread and prompt, and to consider reopening various businesses in shopping centers, community malls, and golf courses to support operators and employees who have been affected for an extended period. Currently, operators who must temporarily close their businesses are burdened with various costs, such as employee wages, loan interest, rent, utilities, and other costs necessary for business operations. If urgent assistance is not provided, it is believed that this will lead to significant layoffs, which will greatly impact the overall economy. Furthermore, it is emphasized that Bangkok has a high proportion of service sector businesses, and ensuring sufficient vaccines and good options may also position Bangkok as a Vaccine Destination for neighboring countries in the region.”