Thailand plans to open its borders From 1st October, for fully vaccinated travellers who will be allowed to travel to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces from October, without the two weeks quarantine, as told by the officials of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The areas will also follow the “Sandbox” model, already being piloted in Phuket since July this year. In this model, the tourists will stay within a particular area for seven days and then take covid tests. In the later part of October, more places like Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, and Rayong will also be opened up similarly. However, the tourism agency warned that since the third wave of Covid with the delta variant is still prevalent, the plans may change.
Thailand reopened Samui, Tao, and Phangan islands as well, but more restrictions are applied to them.
The Thai tourism industry that once accounted for one-fifth of the national income has suffered hugely due to the travel restrictions that followed the worldwide Covid-19 outbreak resulting in the worst economic performance in 20 years.
One big impediment to these plans to revive the economy is the travel advice given by other countries to their citizens not to visit Thailand.
Source : AFP
