TripZillaThe Royal Thai Government plans to reopen Bangkok to fully vaccinated tourists from 1 Oct 2021, together with Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan in the second phase of Thailand‘s roadmap to gradually welcome foreign tourists into the country.
According to an announcement from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), all five destinations will follow a “sandbox scheme” similar to the model that was implemented in Phuket from 1 Jul 2021. Under this scheme, vaccinated international travellers are allowed to stay at one place for seven days upon arrival and take COVID-19 tests, rather than undergoing quarantine for two weeks at a hotel.
Image credit: Alexandr Podvalny
Thai government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana says that over 29,000 fully jabbed foreign visitors arrived at Phuket under the Phuket Sandbox scheme in the last two months and contributed almost US$50 million (S$67 million) in tourism revenue, according to TAT.
Also read: Phuket Travel Restrictions: All You Need to Know Before Visiting
Thailand to open more provinces for tourists from mid-Oct 2021
Starting 21 Oct 2021, Thailand plans to reopen 21 more tourist destinations across the country.
These areas include Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phrae, and Sukhothai in the North; Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani in the Northeast; Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi in the West; Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Trat in the East; Ayutthaya in the Central Region, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Satun, Songkhla, and Trang in the South.
Image credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ
However, the Thai tourism agency warns that reopening plans could still change in light of the COVID-19 situation. Thailand is currently battling a deadly third wave of COVID-19 and the number of positive cases has surpassed 1.35 million, due to the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.
For the list of entry requirements to Bangkok, visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand‘s official website.
