Reopen Thailand: Phuket Is the First Vacation spot Out there
The Thai Tourism Authority (TAT) is preparing a new plan to reopen Thailand, which it has proposed to the Center for Economic Situation Administration (CESA). In addition, the agency plans to attract a million people including the rich.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and America, explained the proposal as follows:
Phang Nga
Foreign tourists can travel to the Khao Lak area from August without quarantine.
Krabi
Foreigners can visit some areas of Krabi Province in Koh Phi Phi, Railay, and Koh Ngai from July but must isolate themselves on the day of arrival.
On the second and third days, they are allowed to engage in activities near the hotel and travel on certain routes after undergoing an RT-PCR test for Covid-19 on the fourth and fifth days.
Similar measures apply to Koh Lanta, Ao Nang and Thab Khaek, which will be open to visitors from August. Krabi will be fully open to tourists from October.
Surat Thani
Foreigners can travel to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao from July by taking the RT-PCR test and isolating on the first day.
On the second and third day they are allowed to do activities near the hotel and from the fourth day they are allowed to visit certain areas.
After passing a second RT-PCR test, tourists can move freely in Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao from the eighth day onwards.
Chiang Mai
Foreigners can visit Chiang Mai, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng and Doi Tao cities from August, provided they stay away for seven days.
After that, they are allowed to visit certain areas. From October, tourists are allowed to move freely in the province.
Phuket
Phuket will be the first travel destination in Thailand to reopen its doors to vaccinated foreign tourists from July 1, 2021 without any quarantine requirements.
In June 2021, the TAT press room will do everything possible to compile accurate information to inform everyone of Phuket’s preparations for safe opening to foreign tourists.
Other goals
TAT will also make a proposal that tourists can travel freely to Chonburi (Pattaya, Bang Lamung and Sattahip), Bangkok, Phetchaburi (Cha-Am), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin) and Buri Ram from October.
A million people
In addition, TAT suggested to Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha that the country allow four target groups to work in Thailand without a permit. These proposals would allow some wealthy retirees to legally work and buy land in Thailand. Target groups include rich people; those who wish to work for foreign companies from Thailand, for example digital nomads; foreign pensioners with pensions; and people with special abilities and skills.
The goal is to attract one million people from these four groups as they increase spending, expertise, and other economic benefits. They are expected to spend an average of one million baht per year and bring in 800 billion baht in investments from 10,000 investors and 80,000 retirees.
