Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Asian countries have some of the strictest border restrictions and closures. Currently, several countries in Asia are planning to reopen their borders for international tourism. One of the countries that are allowing entry for selected foreigners is Thailand.
The Government of Thailand on June 25, 2020, approved a draft plan for relaxed measures for foreigners entering Thailand, which could see select foreigners being able to enter the country as of August 1, 2020.
Thailand’s draft plan includes three phases:
Phase 1: Investors, business travellers, skilled workers, people with Thai family members, teachers, etc.
Phase 2: Medical tourism travellers
Phase 3: General tourists
The government of Thailand has lifted several restrictions for the foreigners coming into the country, now making multiple exceptions and allowances starting on July 1, 2020.
Permission for passenger aircraft will be given by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) for flying into or landing at an international airport in Thailand only if the people on board are included in the following categories:
- Thai citizens
- Persons exempted or being considered, permitted or invited by the Prime Minister, or the head of responsible persons accountable for resolving the state of emergency issues to enter Thailand, as necessary. Such consideration, permission or invitation may be subjected to specified conditions and time limits
- Non-Thai citizens who are a spouse, parents, or children of a Thai citizen
- Non-Thai citizens who have a valid certificate of residence, or permission to take up residence in Thailand
- Non-Thai citizens who have a valid work permit or are allowed to work in Thailand, including their spouse or children
- Carriers of necessary goods, subject to immediate return after completion
- Crew members who are obligated to travel into Thailand on a mission and have a specified date and time for return
- Non-Thai citizens who are students of educational institutions approved by Thai authorities, including the parents or guardians of the students
- Non-Thai citizens who need medical treatment in Thailand and their attendants. This should not include medical treatment for COVID–19
- Individuals in diplomatic missions, consular affairs, international organisations, government representatives, foreign government agencies working in Thailand, or individual in other international agencies as permitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including their spouse, parents, or children
- Non-Thai citizens who are allowed to enter Thailand under a special arrangement with a foreign country
These rules will allow certain types of foreigners to gain access into the country like for those seeking medical tourism or non-Thai nationals to reunite with their Thai spouses or children finally.
Phuket to reopen for international tourism
Yuthasak Supasorn, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand on August 21, 2020, confirmed the government’s plan to open Phuket for foreign tourists on October 1, 2020.
The reopening of Phuket for international tourists will act as a trial program for the rest of Thailand, to test whether restarting the tourism sector in this current environment will be successful.
Many rules apply including a mandatory 30-day stay which they must fly directly into Phuket. Other than that, the first 14 days will be in quarantine at their hotel which will include their private hotel room, the hotel’s common areas, and in some cases beach access.
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, said that after 14 days in quarantine at the hotel and also 2 PCR tests with negative results, the tourist would then be allowed to leave the hotel property and explore Phuket.
Any tourist who wishes to leave Phuket and visit other parts of Thailand will be able to do so after a 3rd PCR test performed in the 3rd week of their visit.
A joint collaboration between IQI and Juwai.asia.
With the reopening Phuket for the international tourism, there is hope that foreigners from other countries will be able to visit this stunning country. If you’re interested to settle down in Thailand, we can assist to find properties which might be suitable to what you’re looking for.