The Thai Government has announced new measures in an attempt to support Thailand’s hardly hit tourism industry. Thailand has decided to ease travel restrictions for tourists coming from 56 countries; however, all visitors will be required to quarantine for two weeks in a hotel.
According to Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for Thailand’s COVID-19 task force, no visa is required for tourists coming from countries such as Australia, France and the US. However, they will have to present a certificate no older than 72 hours to attest that they do not have Covid-19. Additionally, they also need to show a reservation at a quarantine hotel.
As visitors would be subject to a mandatory two-week quarantine after their arrival, the normal 30-day visa will be extended to 45 days, specified Mr Visanuyothin. During the quarantine period, tourists will be tested three times for Covid-19, but in the future more testing might be added in order to shorten the quarantine period.
Other travelers coming from countries not included in the announcement might still be eligible for a 90-day special tourist visa and a certificate of entry.
The revision of the travel bans come in a very difficult moment for the tourism sector which struggles to encourage more domestic activity and to attract foreign tourists.
Thailand’s travel restrictions have helped maintain a low Covid-19 infection rate, but have also caused widespread economic damages and job losses. Speaking with the Reuters news agency, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tanee Sangrat said that, “The entry of tourists will stimulate the economy.” He also added: “We are confident in the Thai public health system, before this we were not sure, but now we are confident in the system.”
