Shorter quarantine for tourists
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Tourism and Sports Minister, conveyed that Thailand is considering shortening the mandatory quarantine period for tourists from 14 days to 7 days in mid-November.
Image credit: ThaiPBS World
However, he said it’s only possible if the first wave of incoming travellers in October are clear of COVID-19 after completing their 14-day quarantine.
The purpose of a shortened quarantine is to encourage foreigners to spend their holidays in Thailand like before, with more measures being implemented like the special tourist visa (STV) that can be extended up to 270 days.
To increase tourist quota
Image credit: TTRW
Moreover, the minister pointed out that the current quota, which allows only 300 tourists into the country per week, is not enough to better the economy and plans to increase the number by 1st November by proposing the idea to the House.
“Only 300 tourists per week will not be enough to fill up the whole supply chain and help operators,” said the minister.
In the meantime, the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) estimated around 60 million travellers will come to Thailand after everything is back to normal by 2023.
Let’s hope this plan succeeds so they can shorten the quarantine for other groups of arrivals too.
Featured images adapted from: Reuters and ThaiPBS World
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