reader Posted May 23, 2020 Posted May 23, 2020 From Bangkok Post Demands reportedly made by people claiming they could ensure properties would be chosen as quarantine centres Pattaya hoteliers claim a group of people have demanded kickbacks from them if they want their facilities to be chosen as state quarantine centres. They have urged the government to look into the issue, but officials were quick to deny any involvement by legitimate state authorities. Government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said on Saturday that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had ordered an investigation into the claim. He vowed to take tough action against wrongdoers who were taking advantage of people and business operators during this difficult time, she said. The government pays participating hotels 1,000 baht per person per day for hosting people serving 14-day quarantine periods. To date, around 80,000 Thais who have returned home from abroad have been placed in quarantine facilities nationwide as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus disease. State agencies choose quarantine sites based on a set of criteria that include hotel licences, more than 200 non-carpeted rooms, and separate air-conditioners for each room. There are several hotels that meet the criteria in Pattaya, where about 10,000 rooms have been used for the purpose. Ekkasit Ngampichet, chairman of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA), confirmed the kickback demand at rates between 30% and 40%. Quote
