They've been wanting to do this for several years, Covid-19 has just given them the excuse they needed. Apparently it's for the safety and security of tourists 🤔
No a chance of going for Christmas. Even if it was possible it would be 2 weeks in quarantine in Bangkok at 90k+ Baht and then if you went to a rural village as an outsider the village chiefs probably insist on another period of quarantine; doesn't sound like fun does it !!