Thailand is ready to welcome internationally vaccinated visitors without quarantine. The reopening country model starts from reopening Phuket from July 1, Samui, Phangan and Koh Tao on July 15, followed by other destinations including Krabi, Phang Nga (Khao Lak), Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Buri Ram in the coming months.
The plan was approved by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday, June 18, and will be submitted for final approval from the Cabinet.
Minister of Tourism and Sports H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said, “Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on June 7 has set a goal to reopen Thailand to fully vaccinated foreign visitors without quarantine within the next 120 days. If Bangkok or any of the 76 provinces are ready to reopen from October, provided that the local population is inoculated, and the infection rate is at no more than 20-30 cases daily.”
This gives hope and confidence to the Thai tourism industry and ensures the safety of the Thais and international visitors.
Timeline for reopening Thailand as a Country
July – August 2021
The “Island Approach” will begin with Phuket from July 1, followed by Surat Thani, including Samui-Phangan-Tao, on July 15. The approach will continue in August with an “extension” concept to be introduced. For example, travel to Phuket and combine with Krabi, including Phi Phi, Koh Ngai and Railay or Phang Nga (Khao Lak and Koh Yao).
September 2021
From September, certain areas in Chiang Mai, Chonburi (Pattaya) and Buri Ram) will be opened for vaccinated tourists without quarantine.
Chiang Mai: Mueang, Mae Rim, Mae Tang and Doi Tao Districts
Chon Buri (Pattaya): Neo Pattaya, Pattaya City and Bang Lamung and Sattahip Districts – Buri Ram: Mueang District and the Chang Arena.
October 2021 and onwards
From October, Bangkok, Cha-Am and Hua Hin, as well as any other Thai destinations that are ready, will be reopened to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine.
TAT is also considering the reopening of other destinations with nearby tourist islands, including Pattaya (Ko Lan) and the provinces in the Eastern Economic Corridor (Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong).
Guidelines for reopening Phuket, Samui, Phang Ngan and Koh Tao
Pre-arrival
· Visitors must travel from countries/regions with a low to medium risk of SAR-CoV-2 virus as announced and constantly updated by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). They must also have already stayed in the said countries/regions no less than 21 days before the travel date.
· They must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine registered with the MoPH or approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) no less than 14 days before the travel date, and must have a vaccine certificate to verify their vaccination;
· Children under six years of age are allowed when travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians;
· Travellers who have a history of COVID-19 infection must also be fully vaccinated no less than 14 days before the travel date;
· Travellers must have a medical certificate with an RT-PCR laboratory result indicating that COVID-19 is detected and issued no more than 72 hours before departure;
· Travellers must have a COVID-19 health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of US$100,000.
Travellers who are qualified and equipped with the required documents are advised to submit an application for the Certificate of Entry (COE) via www.entrythailand.go.th
Arrival
· Undergo Immigration and Customs procedures and a COVID-19 screening, including RT-PCR tests;
· Download and install the alert application;
· Go directly to your reserved hotel to wait for the test results;
o Arrivals to Phuket must check-in at the pre-booked SHA Plus-certified accommodation establishment;
o Arrivals at Ko Samui must check-in at alternative local quarantine (ALQ) facilities;
· If tested negative for COVID-19, travellers to Phuket can go anywhere in Phuket. Travellers to Ko Samui can leave their room for facilities and services within their accommodation only.
Stay
· For travellers to Phuket:
o Travellers who wish to visit Phuket only, no minimum stay is required, but they must leave Phuket (Thailand) for another country before the intended departure date.
o For travellers who wish to continue their journey to other Thai destinations, they must stay in Phuket for 14 nights and, after that, will be allowed to travel domestically.
· For travellers to Ko Samui:
o During the 1st-3rd night, travellers can leave their room for facilities and services within their accommodation only.
o During the 4th-7th nights, travellers can travel on specified routes within Ko Samui only.
o During the 8th-14th night, travellers can travel between Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao.
· Undergo a COVID-19 test using an RT-PCR method as per the MoPH’s guidelines;
· Travellers are advised to strictly follow the DMHTTA precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19: D – Distancing, M – Mask wearing, H – Handwashing, T – Temperature check, T – Testing for COVID-19, and A – alert application.
Domestic Departure
· For travelling from Phuket or Samui-Phangan-Tao to other Thai destinations, travellers are required to show proof that they have completed a 14-night stay along with the other required documents per the guidelines and measures announced by the respective province of destination.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, will answer the enquiries about travelling to the country.
For regular updates on the tourism-related COVID-19, visit TAT, Stockholm office, official website The Colours of Thailand, www.thecoloursofthailand.com
—
Kantara S. Olofsson
Public Relation & Communication Coordinator
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Stockholm Office
Drottninggatan 33 GF
111 51 Stockholm Swedenhttps
Image taken from Pixabay at Pexels
