TWO key ministries, Tourism and Sports and Public Health, as well as other related agencies are now ready to open Thailand to special tourists but quarantine will remain 14 days and not reduced to seven days as earlier reported, Thai Rath newspaper said today (Sept. 26, 2020).
Ms. Trisulee Traisanakul, deputy spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, said despite Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn having said it would be a good idea to reduce the quarantine for tourists traveling to Thailand on a special tourist visa from 14 to seven days, this would not immediately take effect with relaxation to be a gradual process.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will be presiding over the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) meeting on Monday to discuss opening up the country to special tourists.
Strict steps are in place for these special tourists to come to Thailand including undergoing Covid-19 test 72 hours before traveling; getting a Covid-19 health insurance; informing the travel agents of their itinerary in Thailand; having a return ticket; and signing a document agreeing to comply with Thai regulations.
These special tourist are expected to fly to Thailand either on a small charter flight or private jet with all flights having to be approved by the authorities.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry expects Thailand to attract 1,200 special tourists a month, bringing in 1.030 billion baht. In one year there will be 14,400 of this class of tourists with estimated 12.36 billion baht revenue.
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Tourists sunbathing at a Koh Phangan beach before the coronavirus pandemic hit the world. Photo: Chris Yunker (CC BY 2.0)
