I have a flight to Bangkok booked to Thailand in July December February. But we want to do it faster. Restrictions have been relaxed and so it is now possible to enter using a Tourist Visa. There are limited flights to Thailand now, so it will be a matter of taking what is available, rather than having a large choice. Although a Certificate of Entry, negative covid-19 test, ASQ quarantine etc are all still required. As of mid December, tourists from 61 nations ( i.e. The Thai government will initially look at attracting tourists from this corner of the world where many countries haven’t been badly affected and tourist numbers are smaller and easier to control / monitor. Especially when the only new covid-19 cases in Thailand (as of mid June) are from people returning from overseas who are tested at the airport on arrival. What usually happens now is that if you are deemed to be in the danger zone, you have to wait a while to cool off before trying the temperature check again. At least not in large numbers and not without some kind of quarantine. Thailand now allows passport holders from countries who qualify to enter Thailand under the visa exemption scheme to travel here. Is there quarantine for visitors to Thailand? International travelers hoping to visit Thailand will need to wait at least a few more months before packing their bags as the country continues to ban incoming flights due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Read about Star Media Group's progress together with exclusive stories with our partners. But with a 14-day quarantine in place, it’s clear that tourists simply won’t visit Thailand. Anyone registering over 37.5C will be required to be monitored and / or consult a doctor. And the remaining 43% aren’t expecting to be able to travel for another year – after June 2021. (Again, as time goes on and no new cases are reported, fewer restaurants enforce regulations. Having said that it did prove useful when there was a scare in Rayong with a member of the Egyptian military visited a hotel and mall and was later tested positive for the virus. So, it’s not just a matter of buying a ticket and hopping on a plane. In the past few days Emirates announced they were starting flights to Bangkok again from 1 September onwards, only to be reminded by the Thai authorities that this wasn’t actually possible. However, 14 day quarantine period will still be required, in addition to covid testing prior to visiting and on arrival and and tracking whilst in the country. So many people are questioning the government’s ‘science’ behind the alcohol ban in Bangkok. Businesses register online at and then answer a questionnaire and upload photos to confirm their compliance with cleaning or social distancing regulations etc. However, the anticipated arrival of a Scandinavian group has been postponed indefinitely as, according to the Minister of Tourism “the second lockdown in Europe is making it tough to draw tourists to Thailand”. 31% think it will be some time in the first half of 20201. Bear in mind that although Thailand has a very low covid-19 infection and death rates, relatively few people (under 2% of the population) have been tested compared to all western countries. This gives 60 days stay inside Thailand and can be extended for a further 30 days once in Thailand. {{item['V2 Header']}}. Malacañang announced that it is no longer mandatory for travelers to undergo coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing and quarantine. So services such as shared minibuses and tourist buses or boats to islands will be running fewer services than normal. Another week, another plan to get tourists back. Good news for holders of Elite Visas, they will soon be allowed back into Thailand. The first group of Chinese tourists who were scheduled to arrive in Thailand tomorrow, has been postponed. Strange Tides in the Gulf of Thailand (Updated to include the 2021 tide table for the Koh Chang area) In most areas of the world there are four tides per 24 hour period. The news that the government’s much vaunted ‘Special Tourist Visa’ (STV) has flopped and very few people had taken up the opportunity to enter Thailand with a regular Tourist Visa was greeted with surprise by no-one, other than the Tourism Authority of Thailand. So, it’s more for show than having any practical use. So it’s easy to see the impact that the complete stop in tourism due to covid-19 has had on Thai people and how things will get worse before they get better. If possible, take a private transfer rather than a shared minibus or bus. The fact that lots of people in the tourism industry in Thailand are now out of work, and the number will increase even further in the coming months, led to the boss of the Association of Thai Travel Agents to call on the government to allow tourists, from countries with covid-19 under control, to enter without quarantine. This isn’t limited to one country, it affects the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Thailand 14h ago Thailand may reopen Phuket, Phang-nga, Krabi to foreign tourists without quarantine before October. No new talk of tourists being allowed to enter any time soon. Take a smaller, more personalised tour with a local guide. The screening points will record entry and exit times of diners. Additionally, all non-Thai arrivals will need to prove they are covered by private health insurance in … And despite around 20 percent of Thailand’s GDP coming from the tourism industry, the Tourism Authority of Thailand predicted that the country’s borders would not reopen to tourists … Check the Accommodation Guide, Where to Eat? The Middle Eastern country of Oman has resumed the issuing of tourist visas, but travellers are only allowed to stay for a maximum of 10 days and will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival.. However this group comprise almost entirely of middle aged men. I think that depends on the situation in other countries. Likewise guests will be required to wear them outside their rooms and in public areas of the hotel. Foreigners have to pay from around 30 – 250,000 Baht to stay in ‘alternative state quarantine’. In the absence of COVID-19 re-outbreak, Chinese tourists will not have to undergo mandatory quarantine and can use coronavirus testing and … That, plus the usually optimistic Minster for Sports and Tourism, Pipat Ratchakitprakan, confirming that there’s not going to be any rush to form travel bubbles with China, means no-one in authority is listening to requests from tourism businesses to re-open the country any time soon. However these tourists must have insurance to cover costs of covid-19 treatment (if required) and they will be screened before departure and on arrival in Thailand. At the time of writing new cases of coronavirus have been found in 44 provinces across Thailand. ... of the foreign tourists into Thailand in 2019. For example on the skytrain and subway in Bangkok. Or go and party at the weekend in Pattaya, for example, where bars and nightclubs can open. After the first Chinese tour group, that had been scheduled to arrive in Phuket on 8 October, was postponed it came to light that: – Tour agents in Guangzhou say they haven’t resumed outbound tours, – The Thai Consulate in Guangzhou didn’t receive any documents for issuing tourist visas, – Chinese TAT staff told reporters the 120 person group are business people, not tourists. Thailand has reopened – and travellers of all nationalities can apply for a visa. When do you think the average tourist will be able to get back in to Thailand? Although local media reported that Phuket will reopen to international tourists on October 1, it is unclear when the "Phuket Model" will come into force. Is It Safe To Travel To Thailand after Coronavirus? Not genuine tourists. Just a few days after the plan for travel bubbles was announced it’s been put on hold, as the countries it was aimed at have now registered more coronavirus cases. The sooner we can advance this timetable, the sooner we can open our doors to large numbers of visitors and begin the task of rebuilding our economy,” Thai PM Prayuth. The Cayman Islands were set to reopen in September and October, but both months saw delays. You have to write your name, phone number and time you enter in a book. So this has to be paid for in advance and a confirmed booking shown. 103 shares. So Plan B is now in action, which is to return to the idea of travel bubbles – especially with China. A Bangkok Post article offers some clues about what tourism will look like in the first few months after Thailand re-opens its borders. – A police criminal record background check. Thailand and other countries are negotiating the possibility of a "city-to-city" or "island-to-island" travel bubble so that vaccinated tourists visiting the kingdom can visit designated Thai cities or islands without the need for quarantine. In addition there are other requirements. Leaving issues of privacy etc aside, in theory it’s a good idea. Only 200,000 doses but it’s a start and a few million more doses are expected to be delivered in the coming month or two. Hotel prices have never been cheaper and beaches are deserted. Are they going to apply the mandatory covid vaccination? The third phase would be when the whole country can open to international tourists again. “According to the timeline set by the government, foreigners will be allowed to travel to Thailand [later this year] without quarantine. Secondly, Thailand hasn’t started vaccinating it’s own population yet. But the lack of flights, plus quarantine requirement will deter the vast majority of tourists. Domestic transport in Thailand re-opened in June. Which is good news. However, nothing official has yet been posted on government or TAT websites. When users check out, they are also given the option to rate the business for their adherence to mask wearing / social distancing / temperature taking regulations. Next Tuesday and Friday, meetings will also be held with the Thai Cabinet. OR . Not everyone. The TAT would like to have plans in place by June which would allow for a Q4 no-quarantine, re-opening of borders for vaccinated tourists. In the initial stage, the country will open to only two groups: business people who receive an invitation from a firm and medical tourists who have an appointment already with a hospital. – A COVID-19 test less than 72 hours old. Alternatively, as of 8 December, tourists from any country can apply for an STV (Special tourist Visa) that allows a 90 day stay in the country and which can be renewed twice, giving a maximum stay of 270 days in Thailand. Under a plan set to roll out in the third quarter of this year, the heavily tourist-based country hopes to see travelers return to the country. But in the meantime, more hotels and restaurants are closing. You will be quarantined if you test positive at any time in Thailand. Which is a (very small) piece of good news. But in reality, even if many do, they are often ignored by shoppers or visitors, who only scan them if there’s staff there telling them to do it. From August, a limited number of tourists, 1,000 / day, will be able to take a package tour to one of five areas in the pilot project – Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, Phuket and Pattaya. And, for this to be possible, tourists will require proof of covid-19 vaccination and negative coronavirus test. Elsewhere, the death of the 2020 – 21 High Season is the subject of opinion pieces . All visitors must undergo 14 days self-funded quarantine at luxury hotels. When you land in Bangkok you’ll be tested again for covid-19 by staff in full hazmat suits and then taken to your ASQ hotel. They should also wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol sanitizer before entering and after leaving the beach. And yesterday the government put forward yet another plan. What happens if i am asymptomatic but positive? , Partly because China has the situation under control and implements stricter measures on it’s citizens than most other countries. In reality this probably won’t make any difference to the number of visitors wanting to come to Thailand. Citizens of countries who qualify for entry into Thailand under the visa exemption scheme can now come to Thailand. Some more good news. – Having your temperature taken when entering larger shops, restaurants, hotels and businesses. You’ll have to wear a tracking device to ensure you don’t leave your boat whilst moored. But the number of options tourists have for travelling from A to B is likely to be less than in the past. Each renewal also costs 2,000 Baht. Now that coronavirus has been brought under control in Thailand, the Thai government is doing its best to encourage domestic tourism to get Thais to travel more extensively and spend their money supporting tourist related businesses around the country. Eg on a deserted beach with no-one around or if you are on an early morning run when you’ll need to be able to breathe properly. So if you want to bring USD / EUR in cash, bear this in mind. More details are slowly emerging about the Special Tourist Visa and its requirements. Your Koh Chang Travel Guide. Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed that his team had discussed the possibility with governors and tourism businesses in the three southern provinces. In the past you could always find a small currency exchange or bank easily. Some provinces also decided to impose a 14 day quarantine on anyone coming from a ‘red zone’ area. as happens with the current 700 Baht departure tax. Thailand has been without confirmed local transmission of the COVID-19 for 50 days now. Only alternate seats can be used. Shops and restaurants can re-open. 26 October a larger group of Chinese tourists land. At present it’s hard to imagine there are many people wanting to take a holiday to Thailand with the proviso that the first two weeks must be spent in a designated hotel from which there’s no escape. Especially as social distancing, people must sit further than 1 metre of each other, has to be enforced on buses and trains. This has happened in Thailand. Mainly because very few Thais will have been vaccinated by 1 July. Due to commercial flights being banned and no date set for them to resume. Graphics from The Nation. One new requirement for tourists who visit Thailand in the future is a new $10 fee that every visitor will have to pay. And the best way to do that is for the Thai government to learn to live with covid-19 and accept that it will be around for the foreseeable future. And that there are bound to be some local covid19 infection when tourists are allowed to enter the country. On September 15, the Thai government gave the go ahead for a longstay visa – Special Tourist Visa – which would allow visitors to stay a maximum of 270 days in Thailand. Thais have to do this, for free, at a government quarantine centre. But also take it off when it’s obviously pointless or best not to wear one. So I expect these to be more popular for tourists heading to destinations within a few hours drive of Bangkok. All arrivals – Thai and foreign have 14 days quarantine. Phuket if yes, whiches ? When visitors do return to Thailand they shouldn’t be surprised to see their favourite bar, restaurant or tour agent shuttered. tourists, 88% You should wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol gel before and after your meal. , It simply prevents you from developing symptoms. They will also be monitored and tracked during their time in Thailand. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aae59d5c8eaab27329ae7ba040b86fe0" );document.getElementById("iaee37acfb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Most text & images copyright © 2020. Practice social distancing and keep 1 metre from other diners. Can i choose to have the PCR just on my tongue and not through my nose? Several additional groups of foreigners will now be allowed to enter. What can Tourists Expect When Thailand Reopens to Tourism? And around 20% of workers in Thailand are employed in tourism related businesses. And visitors would have to be on charter flights, wear GPS tracking bracelets etc. readers found this article insightful, Copyright © 1995- On 29 September, they announced the first group of tourists, from China, would arrive on October 8th. ‘nothing short of a broad re-opening of the borders, along with dropping many of the restrictions and paperwork, will save Thailand tourism‘. So it’s not all doom and gloom. The regulations included items such as: Beach-goers are expected to wear a face mask all the time when you are in the beach area. And then backtracked a few days later, saying numbers would actually be much lower. But I wouldn’t book any flights until there’s confirmed news about the county being open and easy to visit. This includes passport holders from most Western nations. But at present it seems very unlikely that Thailand will just throw the doors open to all tourists any time soon. Leading to some localised lockdowns and the cancellation of many Christmas and New year celebrations. Apparently the sale of alcohol leads to an increased chance of getting coronavirus. From April 2021 onwards tourists with vaccination certificates and a negative covid test can re-enter Thailand. Which limits the chances of anyone contracting coronavirus during a flight. Leading international tourism companies in Thailand have launched a campaign to reopen the country’s borders from 1 July 2021. Guests will also be encouraged not to use cash for payments, as there’s a slim chance coronavirus can be passed between people on banknotes. Thailand Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said Thailand will reopen to foreign tourists in October with limitation. This is up on the initial plan for 30,000. This process will be submitted to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration to consider on March 19. The latest proposal to be thrown at the government is for tourists that have been vaccinated to be allowed to enter Thailand without the need for a 14 day quarantine period. Apisamai says even if the country isn’t fully reopened by October, it could still see a wider opening, just in time for Thailand’s high season. It is still no problem to withdraw cash from an ATM, but exchanging money isn’t as easy as it was. This vaccine has the benefit of being relatively cheap and can be stored at 2-8°C, which allows for easy nationwide storage and distribution. The Thai Embassy in Helsinki, Finland announced people living there could apply for a Tourist Visa to visit Thailand. And so can’t be increased by operators. Many of these self employed or work in small businesses and resorts. He hadn’t left the country and was only tested when he was sent to jail. There is also talk about sports tourists being allowed in such as golfers. Krabi It is now possible to get to all areas of the country easily. At present virtually all ASQ hotel can only be booked direct with the hotel, not through online booking sites. No advance visa is required. Things have been moving quickly. And then today the Thai government finally admitted that no Chinese citizens had actually applied for a special tourist visa (STV) and there wasn’t a chartered flight to bring them to Thailand. Diners will have their temperature checked on entry and alcohol gel should also be available for diners who wish to use it. (They didn’t last long and were quickly ignored by most Thais.). ), And if you want to apply for a Special Tourist Visa, there’s a non-refundable 10,000 Baht fee payable to the Thai tour agent handling applications (which is a subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand). Some excitement this week when it was reported that the government plans to shorten quarantine time to 7 days. This is to enforce social distancing. 20 October a group of Chinese ‘tourists’ land in Bangkok. {{item['V1 Body']}} And scanning out of a business at the end of a visit is often ignored. The good news is that by the time it does, there will be a lot of pent up demand. If approved, the program will allow a small number of visitors from low-risk countries to enter Thailand and quarantine at designated hotels and resorts on Phuket for 14 days. So a bit like paying to be in a fancy open jail, only with sunshine. This is information is current as of 16 February 2021. New normal tourism seems like a glimpse into a dystopian future where the government controls and monitors movements of all tourists. Two people who are together can’t use it. On Monday the government confirmed the new STV (Special Tourist Visa) will go ahead. ( This is a bit unusual as Chinese don’t get long holidays. So expect well spaced chairs and furniture in the lobby area, restaurant and by the pool. As with all activities, expect to have your temperature taken before being allowed on the bus, plane or train. While it has already made some efforts to reopen borders to foreign tourists, strict quarantine rules have kept most away. They will be on a charter flight and will be tested for COVID-19 and put into 14-day quarantine at a local hotel before being allowed to start their holiday in Thailand. This will be followed by the rest of the country later in 2021 and early 2022. Some more good news is that it’s now possible for citizens from many countries to apply for a Tourist Visa to visit Thailand. And yesterday, Pailin Chuchottaworn, head of a panel steering the economic recovery, also urged the government to reopen the country in order to prevent it from collapsing. But the idea of only letting people into the country from countries that haven’t had a new case for 60 or more days severely limits the potential numbers. Good news for boat owners. But whichever mask you choose, get one that you can wear for a few hours without it hampering your breathing or steaming up your glasses. There would be various conditions, namely covid tests and 14 day quarantine period. Sitemap Contact me Write for us. Coronavirus has undoubtedly changed everyone’s lives. Hi, I am thinking of booking flights for my partner and I to come in April. . Yes. I think some tourists will be allowed by the end of the year, but with strict restrictions. At present there’s no indication about how this will be collected. If you have a vaccination certificate and a negative covid test, the mandatory quarantine period will be 7 days rather than 14.
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