Monday, July 6, 2020
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry has decided to reopen five islands to international tourists starting from August. As of now, the five islands considered likely to begin reopening are Phuket, Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan. Authorities are expecting that the domestic tourism industry will likely gain pace this month as the country is set to enter the fifth phase of easing lockdown restrictions. More destinations across the countries are also likely to reopen to international visitors in the near future.
Officials have also mentioned that criteria to allow foreign visitors enter the country and travel to said destinations is currently under discussion with the Public Health Ministry. It was also mentioned that the number of tourists will be limited depending on each area’s capability to effectively screen visitors for COVID-19. Thailand has already started international flights from July 1 although for essential purposes. It is also one of the 15 countries declared as a safe travel destination by European Union for its outstanding precautionary measures related to COVID-19 spread and low infection rate.
The country has also reopened restaurants and hotels. Exhibition centres, shopping malls, massage centres, stores and sauna establishments are also allowed to open but can operate only until 10 PM. Bars and alcoholic sales are also allow until midnight. The Thai Government has introduced a new Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certificate to recognise businesses, including spas, hotels, and eateries that follow the COVID-19 guidelines of the government. According to a previous report, Thailand was expecting nearly 40 million foreign tourists for the present year but the estimate has now decreased to 8 million approximately.
Tags: Coronavirus, koh samui, phuket, Thailand, Thailand Tourism
