Bored in the house? How about a beach holiday amid the beauty of nature with ancient ruins, royal palaces, and ornate temples? Nope! We are not kidding. When almost all countries have shut their doors to tourists amid the deadly pandemic, Thailand is justifying its nickname the ‘Land of the Smiles’ as the country is ready to welcome visitors after year long coronavirus restrictions.
The tropical country is planning to reduce restrictions and paper works for people who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. In an attempt to revive its tourism sector, the country began halving the quarantine time for vaccinated visitors from April 1 as a first step to allowing inoculated people without the need to isolate.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan-Ocha, reportedly approved the plan to inoculate at least 70% of the island’s residents to prepare for the reopening for vaccinated tourists.
Tanee Sangrat, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that travellers - Thais and non-Thais - are no longer required to have fit-to-fly documents issued by Thai consulates from April 1. Foreigners, however, still have to show a negative Covid-19 test result, Associated Press reported.
Thailand reduces quarantine period
People, who have been inoculated, will have to spend just seven days in special quarantine hotels, compared to the previous 14 days. On the other hand, people who have not received COVID vaccine will have to spend 10 days in quarantine. People arriving from sub-Saharan Africa countries will have to do the full two weeks quarantine. Quarantine in Thailand will still be nothing short of a lavish holiday as these luxury hotels offer fully-equipped gym, heated pool, and a personal spa along with stunning views of lush rice fields and jungles.
Phuket to fully reopen?
The country is planning to reopen Phuket fully by July 1 for vaccinated tourists without quarantine. But before travelling elsewhere in Thailand, they will have to spend about two weeks in Phuket. After seven days they will be able explore the remainder of the country, leaving the island by air, sea or the road bridge to the mainland.
Chiravadee Khunsub, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in London, said: “Our core market is 50-plus years old and this age group, according to UK government goals, is set to be fully vaccinated by the summer.
“We look forward to welcoming them in the first wave of arrivals. Phuket has been Covid-19 free for 90 days so it is a safe choice for UK travellers looking to get away this summer.”
Ready to roll? Check tourist guidelines
As per reports, tourists will have to obtain online approval for a Certificate of Entry before departure. They will also have to download the Thailand Plus track-and-trace application. A negative PCR test will also have to be presented before boarding a flight along with proof of travel insurance with Covid-19 cover.
However, it is still unclear as to which proof for vaccination will have to be presented as there is no international agreement on Covid status certification.
By keeping visitors away, the country succeeded in keeping the virus at bay. One of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world, Thailand has reported just 28,889 confirmed cases with 94 deaths.
More tourist areas to reopen in October
Reopening of Phuket will be followed by five more tourist areas in October in a bid to revive tourism industry battered by coronavirus lockdown. These places include the mainland resort areas of Phangnga and Krabi, north and east of Phuket; Koh Samui, Pattaya, east of Bangkok; and Chiang Mai.
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