Thailand plans to allow fully vaccinated travellers from 10 low-risk nations to enter the country without quarantine from November.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha announced the move in a televised address on Monday night.
International visitors will need to prove they are Covid-free at their time of travel with an RT-PCR test undertaken before they leave their home country. They must also complete a test on arrival in Thailand.
Travellers would be allowed to visit any part of the country after meeting these requirements.
Prayut mentioned Singapore, Germany, China and the US in his address. It’s not yet known whether Australia has made the list. However, given our high rates of vaccination and low instance of COVID, it could be quite likely.
More countries will be added to the “low risk” list on December 1.
Visitors from nations not on the official list are welcome “but they have to be in quarantine,” Prayut said.
Recovery
Thailand lost about $50 billion in tourism revenue last year. It’s hoped that allowing travellers from low-risk nations to enter will go some way towards economic recovery.
“I know this decision comes with some risk. It is almost certain that we will see a temporary rise in serious cases as we relax these restrictions,” Prayut said.
“We will have to track the situation very carefully and see how to contain and live with that situation.
“I do not think that the many millions who depend on the income generated by the travel, leisure and entertainment sector can possibly afford the devastating blow of a second lost new year holiday period.”
Alcohol sales back on
Prayuth said Thailand would also allow the resumption of alcohol sales at restaurants. Entertainment venues can open from December 1.
Now, all we need is for Australia to open the international borders so we can take an incredible holiday.
- The luxe Bali boutique wedding retreat to book
Boasting 10 villas and hosting intimate and private weddings for groups up to 200 guests and accommodation for up to 40 guests.
