Thailand aims to reopen Bangkok to fully vaccinated travelers in October, according to officials, as the country tries to recover from the pandemic’s toll on its tourism sector.
Prior to covid, tourism accounted for a fifth of Thailand’s national GDP, but harsh travel restrictions enforced to combat the virus saw the regular influx of foreign tourists decrease to virtually nothing, leading to the economy’s worst performance in more than two decades.
Despite a fatal third wave of illnesses caused by the delta variety, the monarchy is moving ahead with preparations to reopen.
Thailand’s Tourism Authority said that from October 1, fully jabbed international visitors would be able to visit Bangkok and four other regions without having to stay in a hotel for two weeks.
Instead, the five provinces — which include Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan — are anticipated to follow a “sandbox” model similar to the one that has been tested in Phuket since July.