After more than 18 months in which the popular holiday country refused entry, Thailand will be open again to international tourists from October. But only with conditions.
Before the coronavirus reached the Southeast Asian vacation paradise, Bangkok was the most visited city in the world. Thailand was considered one of the most popular travel destinations. When the government finally made the decision to close the entire country to foreign visitors in March 2020, little did they know that the crisis would drag on for 18 months. The measures included a very strict lockdown with night-time curfews and the suspension of air, bus and rail travel. Although the first tourists returned in October 2020, they had to endure a two-week quarantine in their hotel room. A circumstance that only long-term travelers accepted. The further opening followed gradually. Phuket was considered a pilot project with the "Phuket Sandbox" from July 1, 2021. It allowed fully vaccinated travelers to enter the country under certain conditions and without quarantine. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao followed suit in mid-July with a similar concept. The first seven nights must be spent in a quarantine hotel. After three days, however, you were allowed to leave the hotel complex.
According to Thai media, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn wants to welcome international travellers in the country again from October 1. The provinces of Bangkok, Chon Buri, Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chiang Mai will be the first to do so. The remaining 21 Thai provinces are to follow suit in mid-October. In general, the models known from Phuket and Koh Samui are to be followed. That is: open Thailand for international tourists, but only if they are fully vaccinated and stay in a special, certified hotel for the first days. These so-called SHA hotels meet particularly strict hygiene requirements. Although it is allowed to leave the hotel, there is a tracking app that you have to download. In addition, you have to take three Corona tests during the first 14 days of your trip. But one antigen test is enough for that.
Current Information:
tourismthailand.org
