Thailand aims to reopen in 120 days, says PM Prayut
Ever since the recent surge of Covid-19 cases, Thailand has been working nonstop to reduce the number of infected cases, and have 70% of its population inoculated to achieve herd immunity by December 2021.
All these measures were done in preparation for the country’s reopening, initially set to be in January 2022, according to the “Roadmap” plan announced earlier in March.
However, looks like there is going to be some changes as Thailand is now planning to reopen in 120 days – which lands us on a tentative date of 14th October 2021. Vaccinated tourists will also not have to undergo quarantine, said PM Prayut Chan-o-cha in a televised address to the nation on 16th June 2022.
Here’s a summary of what the rest of the announcement entails for us, and potential visitors from around the world.
Recent Covid-19 updates:
- Phuket “Sandbox” tourists to wear tracking wristbands
- Seniors to register for shots at hospitals in Bangkok
- Thai Ruam Jai vaccine sessions paused
Reopening Thailand to international visitors in 120 days
Thailand is going to fully reopen its country to international visitors in 120 days (14th October 2021), according to an announcement made by PM Prayut on 16th June 2021.
Despite the risk of new infection cases, the prime minister asserted that it is a risk that we must take to bring life back into the economy, as well as the tourism industry.
Image credit: Matichon
In addition to the country’s reopening, businesses will be back in service as well.
PM Prayut has already sent out instructions for all government units to start making preparations in order to meet the four-month goal.
Vaccinated tourists will not have to undergo quarantine
Tourists who are fully vaccinated will not have to undergo quarantine and can travel to other provinces in Thailand from the day they arrive, added PM Prayut. This applies to vaccinated Thai tourists who return from travelling abroad.
Image is used for illustration purposes only
Image credit: Pixabay
Phuket will be the first place to implement the quarantine-free policy on 1st July. However, foreign visitors are still required to stay on the island for at least 14 days before leaving for other destinations in Thailand.
They’ll also be expected to adhere to certain rules and follow all the required restrictions, for the duration of their stay.
Thailand ordered over 105.5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines
The announcement also detailed that Thailand has ordered over 105.5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine this year, which exceeded the goal of 100 million doses.
Image is used for illustration purposes only
Image credit: Pixabay
Although recent shortages of vaccines have been reported, the government is working to speed up the rollout to administer around 10 million doses per month from July onwards.
By October, PM Prayut expects to have at least 50 million people vaccinated with the first dose.
Returning to a new normal in four months
Thailand has certainly been going through both ups and downs, due to waves of new infection cases to tackle on a daily basis. It has also been moving from one plan to another as it’s faced with new challenges.
Nevertheless, with a huge order of vaccines coming our way, we hope that this new plan will work out smoothly to have all of us returned to new normalcy as soon as four months.
Covid-19 related news:
- Drinking coffee can’t protect us from Covid-19
- People wear motorbike vests for shots
- Foreigner gets a vaccine appointment in 1970
Cover images adapted from (L-R): Pixabay, Pixabay
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