It is finally official. Thailand’s quarantine-free reopening will begin on November 1. First announced earlier this month, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration and Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha confirmed plans would go ahead.
Fully vaccinated travelers from the UK, USA, Germany, Singapore and China can visit Thailand with no quarantine requirements permitting they have proof of vaccination and RT-PCR test prior to arrival.
A total of 19 provinces will welcome tourists back to start with popular destinations like Phuket, Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Bangkok all included. The Bangkok Post reported that the CCSA hopes to reopen 16 more provinces before the end of the year.
Like most new regulations in the country, the situation is fluid. Here are three things you should know about Thailand’s quarantine-free reopening.
Related: Sansiri’s The Standard prepares to open Hua Hin and Bangkok hotels
What to know about Thailand’s quarantine-free reopening…
Other countries could be added before year’s end
While only five countries deemed to have a low risk of spreading COVID-19 are part of the first wave of Thailand’s quarantine-free reopening, more could be added before year’s end. The current plan runs from November 1 to December 31, but this can be extended or amended by the government.
As we saw with the Phuket Sandbox, officials will analyze not only what’s working with the program but they’ll also look infection and vaccination rates in other countries. Should Thailand’s quarantine-free reopening be successful in that first month, the government could move quickly to open it further as long as it’s safe to do so.
Thailand Pass to replace CoE
Many potential visitors to Thailand have been put off by the Certificate of Entry (CoE) system which has been required to enter the country during the pandemic. For most people, this will no longer be necessary.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Digital Government Development Agency announced they are developing the Thailand Pass system which would replace the CoE process. Arrivals would input information and upload documents in this application prior to arrival. The government hopes to have Thailand Pass ready for the country’s November 1 reopening.
Ready but different
Most places in Thailand are not only ready but excited to welcome tourists back. That being said, there will be some differences. For example, entertainment venues aren’t expected to reopen until December at the earliest and alcohol consumption in restaurants still isn’t permitted. Arrivals must follow social distancing measures and masking as well.
However, the things everyone loves about Thailand are still here and waiting to be enjoyed. The food, the culture and the people are all the same. Between that and the discounts you can find for Thailand’s quarantine-free reopening, eligible travelers should at least consider visiting before the end of the year.
