Thailand may allow bars, pubs and other entertainment venues to remain open beyond midnight as the tourism-reliant nation unwinds pandemic-era restrictions to bolster its economy. The country’s main Covid-19 task force will consider a proposal on Friday to scrap the mandatory closure of the nightlife entertainment venues at 12am, Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters on Thursday. Businesses must still adhere to local rules, which may differ among provinces, he said. The panel will also discuss the expansion of safe Covid-19 areas, or the so-called green zones, where the outbreak has subsided in recent weeks, he said. Thailand ready to scrap last of pandemic-era curbs on tourists Southeast Asia’s second-biggest economy has been easing travel and economic restrictions to kick-start growth as new infections have dropped. The relaxations comes as tourism-dependent countries scramble and compete to woo travellers amid accelerating inflation and sagging consumption. “It’s time to bring back some normal activities with serious risk of Covid-19 to the public health having receded,” said Anutin. The panel will also discuss declaring more safe areas, or the so-called green zones, where the virus outbreak has subsided in recent weeks, he said. The Health Ministry will also review guidelines for mask wearing in public places, including exceptions for outdoor activities, he said. New Covid-19 infections dropped to 2,153 on Thursday, down from more than 20,000 per day reported in April. As tourism restarts, what are the dos and don’ts of post-pandemic travel? The meeting of the panel, chaired by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, will also consider scrapping the so-called Thailand Pass programme, Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said last week. Foreign nationals are currently required to upload details of vaccinations and proof of medical insurance of at least US$10,000 before departure to secure the Thailand Pass, which allows Covid-negative visitors a waiver of quarantine on arrival and free mobility in the country. Thai travel and leisure-industry players have been calling for cancellation of the registration programme, saying it deters prospective holidaymakers.