Phuket set to pave the way for Thailand’s tourism reopening

 Wednesday, March 31, 2021 

Thailand has decided to remove quarantine requirements and open its borders to fully-vaccinated travellers starting this summer, according to officials. From July 1, the popular tourist island of Phuket will be the first destination in the country to welcome international travellers and from October, five further tourist areas will ease restrictions. The news arrives as the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA), chaired by the Thai Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan-Ocha, approved the stages of reopening.

From July, Phuket will entirely remove the quarantine period and from October Krabi, Phangnga, Koh Samui, Chonburi (Pattaya) and Chiang Mai will all be accessible quarantine free, for vaccinated travellers. In the meantime, residents of Phuket are currently being prioritised to receive the vaccine aiming for 70 per cent of the population to be vaccinated before tourism resumes. Travellers will be required to stay for at least seven days at the point of entry so their itinerary should be accordingly planned.

All travellers will also have to take a COVID-19 test on arrival at their hotel and stay for at least seven days at the point of entry (i.e. Phuket) before travelling onwards around Thailand. All other destinations in Thailand, not listed above, are still subject to seven-day mandatory area quarantine on arrival until further notice. Chiravadee Khunsub, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) London said in a statement that Thailand’s priority is to make tourism safe for both tourists and locals alike.

He mentioned from July 1, quarantine will not be required for UK travellers visiting Phuket on the basis that they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative for COVID-19. He stated that Phuket has been COVID-19 free for 90 days so it is a safe choice for UK travellers looking to get away this summer and from October, five further popular destinations will reopen ahead of the peak season, ready to welcome winter sun travellers.

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