Pattaya became the latest Thai city to announce when it will allow tourists to return quarantine free. The popular beach town is set to welcome foreign arrivals starting in the fourth quarter of this year. Pattaya Mayor Sontaya Kunplome unveiled a plan to have at least 70 percent of residents and workers in the local service vaccinated in the coming months.
This would allow the city to reach the Thai government’s threshold for receiving vaccinated visitors although there would still be some restrictions on movement.
“Under the project, foreign tourists who have received two vaccine doses will be allowed to enter Pattaya without the need to quarantine for 14 days, though they must stay in Bang Lamung and Sattahip districts for seven days before being allowed to travel elsewhere,” Mayor Sontaya told the Bangkok Post.
Additionally, only tourists from low-risk countries will be allowed to enter Pattaya. Visitors must also stay at Safety & Health Administration certified hotels and use a tracking application that requires them to check-in with health officials every seven days.
Pattaya’s plan to welcome tourists still needs to be approved by the Public Health Ministry and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration.
Related: When will Southeast Asia’s popular tourist destinations reopen to tourists?
Phuket pushes ahead with July 1 reopening
Phuket remains on course to reopen in July with the island appearing likely to reach its vaccine targets in the coming weeks. Airlines are already gearing up for this by starting to offer international flights although demand for these is not yet known.
Thai Airways revealed it will operate direct flights between Phuket and Paris, Frankfurt, London and Copenhagen in July. The airline has plans to add Seoul and Taipei routes as well.
Overseas arrivals who have proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be allowed to visit the island without needing to quarantine. However, tourists must remain in Phuket as travel to other parts of Thailand has been barred until the rest of the country reaches herd immunity.