South Thailand’s hotel industry booming with increased tourist arrivals

South Thailand is seeing a resurgence in tourism, with room bookings in hotels reaching 85%, according to Sueksit Suwandissakun, the president of the Southern Hotel Association. This is a positive sign for the industry, which has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic over the past year.

Many hotels in popular tourist areas are already fully booked, with the majority of reservations being made at three-star hotels and below. The booking rate for this month is at 80%, and even more, reservations are expected to be made for next month, with the rate expected to reach 60%, The Phuket Express reported.

The limiting factor for tourism currently is the number of flights that are back in service, with only 50% of flights being operational compared to 2019 when there were 450 flights in operation. Despite this, passenger numbers have improved by 70% on the flights that are running.

The top ten countries in terms of the number of arrivals in Phuket over the past year were Russia, India, Australia, Britain, Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, America, and Israel. The increase in tourism is not solely driven by foreign tourists, however, as domestic travel has also been on the rise in recent months.

Recently, there were reports of police in Bangkok extorting money from a Taiwanese actress and rumours about officers allegedly extorting money from a Saudi Arabian tourist. However, Sueksit noted that this has not affected tourism, as the normal booking rate for this month is already good.

February is a special month, with Valentine’s Day being celebrated worldwide, but this is not likely to increase travel as there are no long holidays for foreign tourists. The southern region of Thailand has always been a popular destination for tourists, with its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture attracting visitors from around the world.

Overall, the southern region of Thailand is experiencing an improvement in the tourism industry, which is a positive sign for the future. With continued progress, the industry is expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels, bringing much-needed revenue to the region.

Source - The Thaiger

Thailand tourism predicted at 80% of pre-Covid in 2023

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn just predicted that next year, revenue from tourism will hit 80% of the level it was before the Covid-19 pandemic. He made the bold prediction at the 22nd World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit, being held in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.

At that summit, the TAT was invited to take part and present its path to successfully bringing back tourism as it nears the goal of 10 million international visitors by the end of this year. The governor served as a speaker on the panel “The Recovery of Travel in Asia and the Pacific.”

The National News Bureau of Thailand reports that Yuthasak highlighted Thailand’s more eco-friendly, sustainable, and inclusive tourism coming out of the pandemic. After borders were closed and then slowly reopened with various quarantines, lockdowns, and restrictions, Thailand has now fully reopened without restriction and seeing a boom in international travellers.

The TAT plans to continuously collaborate with the tourism industry and other sectors and concentrate on innovations to make tourism stronger and healthier going forwards. The Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model which has been a sustainability focus for the government is implemented in tourism campaigns as well. The TAT governor also touted the “Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters” marketing programme that promotes the country’s popular tourist attractions as well as introduces new ones.

With a goal of an 80% recovery of the tourism industry for 2023, which would be about 32 million visitors, Thailand surpassed the nine million visitor mark this year already. Some 9.4 million people entered the country from the beginning of the year to the end of November.

Now, between all airports and land borders, 50,000 to 60,000 people enter the kingdom per day. Malaysia continues to be the number one source of international tourists, with 1.5 million travellers crossing the Thai border this year. But, with the recent resumption of many flights from Russia, the number of European visitors and other long-distance travellers is increasing. The TAT governor attributed this in part to Thailand being a great warm-weather escape from the cold winters in Europe.

Source - The Thaiger

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Thai immigration reports over 900,000 tourists in Phuket since May

Phuket’s tourism is continuing to make its post-Covid-19 comeback. Thai immigration reported over 900,000 tourists in Phuket from May 1 to November 27.

The total number of tourists that visited the island province in that time frame is 934,164. Of those tourists, 914,746 are foreigners, and 19,418 are Thai.

Meanwhile the Phuket Walking Street Sunday Market, also well known as ‘Laad Yai’ is still full of tourists every week, The Phuket Express reported. The vice president of the Old Phuket Town Community, Somyos Patan, said…

“The market is one of the most important tourism destinations in Phuket which is a must for visitors to visit the signature market in the Phuket Old Town.”

Russians made up Phuket’s largest tourist demographic if November. This month, 55,097 Russians made their way to the island province.

The second largest tourist group in Phuket this month came from India, with 26,525 travellers, according to Phuket Immigration. The third largest group was Australians, with 13,868 tourists. British visitors made up the fourth largest group with 12,340 tourists. Germans came in fifth place, with 11,097 tourists.

The recent swarm of Russian tourists in Thailand has taken the country’s tourism forces completely by surprise. Despite the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian tourism market has returned much quicker than expected, according to the president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).

Chartered flights to Phuket and Pattaya are being filled by Russian tourists. Less than two weeks after Russian airlines made their triumphant return to Phuket, Aeroflot announced an increase in direct flights to the island. The flagship airline of Russia announced on November 12 that it would be adding 14 new flights a week from Russia to Phuket.

Last week, TAT’s deputy governor said the number of Russian tourists flying to Thailand is expected to reach 1 million next year.

As of October 26, Thailand witnessed 7,349,843 international tourists arriving, surpassing the seven million mark. It’s put the country within its goal range set by the TAT of seven to 10 million visitors for 2022.

Source - The Thaiger

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Pattaya’s Walk and Eat food festival coming up

 Foodies in Pattaya have something to look forward to. The city’s Walk and Eat food festival is coming up, after being cancelled or restricted for years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The long festival will run from December 10 to January 29 at the Naklua fish market in Old Town Naklua. Attendees can sample tasty local dishes, and enjoy concerts and cultural events. But that’s not all, there will be activities for children, The Pattaya News reported. This will be the 14th Walk and Eat festival.

According to a Facebook post by the Direct Line to the Mayor of Pattaya City, the festival’s objective is “promoting and encouraging people and communities to participate in the conservation and development of tourist attractions in the local community area.”

Renowned as a tourism hub, Pattaya is known for hosting numerous festivals. These festivals have come back in full force now that Covid restrictions have been lifted.

From Friday to Saturday, the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival met its goal of drawing over 100,000 spectators. The fireworks illuminated the skyline of Central Pattaya Beach, and could also be seen from other points including Bali Hai Pier, and Phra Tamnak Mountain Viewpoint near Bali Nai Pier.

The festival featured stunning fireworks displays from Canada, the Philippines, Belgium, and Malaysia.

Last month, tourists flocked to two seafood festivals in Pattaya over the three-day weekend. The Central Pattaya shopping mall held the “Sea Bear” food festival, bringing in income for vendors.

There was also a seafood festival at Terminal 21 shopping mall, which saw hundreds of vacationers stopping by, Pattaya Mail reported. The festival had planned to feature street food vendors from across eastern Thailand, under a street market theme. The festival was hoped to bring in revenue to local vendors to revive Pattaya’s tourism. In May, the 20 vendors at Pattaya’s new Squid Fair seafood festival earned almost 30,000-40,000 baht a day. The president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association said that 3,000-4,000 visitors went to the festival every day it was held.

The ‘Walk and Eat’ festival is another opportunity for Pattaya dwellers and visitors to savour delicious foods while supporting the local economy.

Source - The Thaiger

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Thailand - Electricity charges to go up another 14 percent

 Thailand - Electricity charges to go up another 14 percent.
The cost of electricity will rise about 14% to a minimum 5.37 baht per unit between January and April next year on rising fuel costs, the Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) warned on Monday.
Secretary-general Khomgrich Tantravanich said the ERC had three options – and the increment to 5.37 baht would cost consumers the least.

The two other choices were 5.70 baht and 6.03 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit).

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand is subsidising the power charge. At the 5.37-baht rate, Egat would have 122.25 billion baht in losses by the end of April.

The 5.70 baht and 6.03 baht rates would leave Egat with a deficit of 101.88 billion baht and 81.50 billion baht respectively.

Without a fee rise next year, the state enterprise would face a deficit of 170 billion baht, Mr Khomgrich said.

The present rate is 4.72 baht per unit, already an all-time high. The smallest increment, to 5.37 baht, would be a rise of 13.77%.

The ERC based the new electricity fee mainly on the cost of natural gas, imported coal and diesel.

It expected the price of natural gas to rise by 17% to 564 baht per million British thermal units (BTU) from the current 482 baht per million BTUs. Natural gas is used for about 60% of electricity generation in Thailand.

The ERC also predicted the price of imported coal, used for 6.5% of power generation, to soar 27% to 5,165 baht per tonne, and diesel, accounting for 6.3% of generation, to increase 14% to 31.94 baht per litre.

The ERC will accept public opinion on the planned electricity fee via its website until Dec 1.

Source - Bangkok Jack

 

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Taxi fares going up in Bangkok

The Transport Ministry and taxi drivers have agreed on new fare rates for #Bangkok and its vicinity that will see passengers paying about 7% more for a ride.
It will be the first fare hike in eight years and is expected to be approved by the transport minister before the end of the month.

Wirat Pimpanit, an adviser to the minister, said on Thursday that taxi drivers’ representatives had agreed to a new fare schedule proposed after a study by the Thailand Development and Research Institute.

The flagfall for ordinary taxis would remain at 35 baht, but rise to 40 baht for large cabs, for the first kilometre.

Fares would increase for all taxies from the current 5.50 baht per kilometre to 6.50 baht for the next 1-10km. The next 10-20km would be 7 baht/km; 20-40km, 8 baht; 40-60km, 8.50 baht; 60-80km, 9 baht; and for distances beyond 80km, 10.50 baht per kilometre.

The waiting time metre charge for traffic jams would rise from two to three baht per minute.

The changes would cost passengers 7.34% more on average. The last increase was eight years ago.

Mr Wirat said the new fares would be applied only to taxis operating in Bangkok and its vicinity.

Large taxis are mainly converted sport utility vehicles and normally operate at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

Jirut Wisanjit, the director-general of the Land Transport Department, said the agency would work on the fine details and then forward the fare rate to Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob for approval.

The entire process would take about two weeks The new fare structure would be announced as a ministry regulation.

Mr Jirut said the new fares had been calculated to reflect core inflation in Greater Bangkok.

The country’s core inflation, which excludes oil and raw food prices, was 3.17% in October, according to the Commerce Ministry. The ministry did not release a breakdown of inflation statistics for the provinces

Source - Bangkok Jack

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Thailand suspends ‘Thailand Pass’ and ‘Test & Go’

 Thailand has suspended its ‘Thailand Pass’ and ‘Test & Go’ schemes due to fears over the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-O-Cha has ordered the immediate suspension of new registrations for Thailand Pass and at the same reinstated mandatory quarantine effective immediately.

The PM announced on Tuesday afternoon that Test & Go will be put on hold until at least January 4, 2022.

The so-called ‘Sandbox’ programs will also be suspended.

"After Dec. 21, there will be no new registrations for 'Test and Go', only quarantine or Phuket sandbox," said deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhanadirek.

However, those who had already registered and are due to travel will still be able to enter the country, but they will be required to take a second RT-PCR test. When the test is required was not clear at the time of posting.

The PM took the decision following a meeting with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) on Tuesday morning.

This is a developing story. This post will be updated without warning.

Source - ASIAN NOW

VISA AGENT  /  How to register for: THAI PASS

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Thailand - Health Ministry warns people to get vaccinated or face possible restrictions

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is urging people who’ve yet to be vaccinated to do so or face possible restrictions. Dr Kiatiphum Wongrajit says the ministry is ramping up vaccination in the next 2 weeks in order to achieve its target of 100 million doses administered. According to a Bangkok Post report, the figure currently stands at 85 million doses.

Around 10 million people are yet to receive their first dose and Kiatiphum says officials plan to administer 13.98 doses by the end of November. 8.6 million of those will be first doses, while 5.38 will be second and third, or booster, doses. The Bangkok Post reports that the Health Ministry has designated November 27 – December 5 as National Vaccination Week and is enlisting the help of various agencies nationwide to help accelerated vaccination efforts.

Meanwhile, the CCSA has ordered provincial governors to encourage residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Kiatiphum says unvaccinated people risk facing measures such as having to show proof of vaccination before being admitted to public spaces.

“The CCSA wants the target group to get their shots and it may come up with measures to give people an incentive to get vaccinated. And if necessary, the CCSA may impose a rule requiring people to show they have received at least 1 dose when attending activities in public places.”

Source - The Thaiger

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Thailand tourism recovery already looks unlikely

International airports in Thailand have come alive over the past week, with more than 12,000 travellers flying in, mostly from 63 countries which have been exempted from quarantine or area restrictions.
If this momentum continues, the total number of incoming travellers this month is likely to overtake the total for the past 19 months, which saw zero tourists during the first nationwide lockdown in the second quarter of last year.

It will also be a big leap from the four months of sandbox programmes, which have seen Phuket and Koh Samui attract 12,000-18,000 international tourists per month.

The current flow of tourists might create a positive vibe for the travel industry, but it is still in stark contrast to the pre-pandemic era, which saw over 3 million tourists on average visit Thailand every month.
Before the sandbox programme kicked off on July 1 this year, the government vowed to bring back at least 100,000 international tourists through this scheme during its first three months.

However, after four months of countless hiccups from unsettled regulations, the total number turned out to be far below expectations, with around 63,000 foreign visitors coming through this scheme.

The sandbox, therefore, helped shape the minimal requirements of the new entry scheme, called “Test & Go”, that removes both mandatory quarantine and area restrictions for travellers from countries on the exempted list. The eligible countries will be updated biweekly, meaning more countries might be added in the future.

Fourteen of 15 countries that contributed the most revenue to Thai tourism in 2019 are on the list, with just Russia, which is still overwhelmed with new cases, missing.

As a result, the tourism outlook should be promising thanks to the relaxation of regulations. But in reality, bookings nationwide have not dramatically picked up, which is in line with many experts’ forecasts that a full tourism recovery might not be seen any time soon.

Moreover, as more countries start to loosen travel restrictions, Thailand might not be the only option for tourists to choose from, but will become one of several options for those who want to venture overseas.

Source - BangkokJack

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Thailand reopening: 9pm booze ban in certain areas could be lifted by mid-November

The head of the National Security Council in his capacity as CCSA chief indicated there could be good news regarding the ban on alcohol sales in 15 days, reported Thai Rath yesterday.

Supoj Malaniyom said that the 9 pm limit in pilot provinces for reopening would stay in place at restaurants for now but there were reviews as to how this was going every 2 days.

The bigger picture was that by November 15th he hoped to have better news.

He stressed that whether places were allowed to open - and this could be pubs and clubs soon - all depended on the compliance and the Covid-19 situation.

Elsewhere media was speculating that a change to the rules was in the offing that could pave the way for the opening of clubs in 17 provinces.

Supoj noted that early signs were good that Covid protocol compliance was good in Bangkok and he asked for this to continue otherwise things could take a step back.

Supoj had met with restaurateurs and retailers calling for the ban to be eased.

In a wide ranging article that quoted all the leading figures in Thailand's Covid battle there was much rhetoric and little detail, notes ASEAN NOW.

Thai Rath quoted PM Prayuth Chan-ocha who is attending the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow as saying that he was delighted with Thailand's reopening on Monday.

Noting that the speed with which tourists are processed needed to be upped a little he thanked the Thai people and visitors for their forbearance.

He said that the reopening of the country was for all people not just the rich as he implored his countryfolk to be good hosts.

Heath Minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul said that the opening of the country had been seamless.

The Thailand Pass site processed 4,000 people and early glitches had been sorted.

Government spokeswoman Traisuree said that transport problems associated with taking tourists to AQ and SHA+ hotels were being addressed.

Meanwhile the Thai Chamber of Commerce said that they hoped 10 million people would visit Thailand in 2022.

Such pronouncements would normally make the top of the news but Thai Rath went with the easing of the booze ban as did many other local media.

Source - ASIAN NOW

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November 1 re-opening of Thailand – The Fine Print

And now for some of the fine print, answering questions you may have had about re-entry to Thailand from next Monday, November 1.

Who can travel to Thailand?
Travellers will be categorised into 3 groups…

• The first are fully vaccinated visitors from 46 countries (www.thaiembassy.com).

They must stay one night in either a SHA+ certified hotel or an ASQ hotel for a RT-PCR test and wait for the result.

Then they can travel anywhere in Thailand.

• The second group is fully vaccinated visitors from countries NOT on the list of 46.

They must stay in SHA+hotels for 7 nights in a “sandbox” area… which will include 17 provinces, including the original Sandbox, Phuket. As well as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Krabi.

• The third group is unvaccinated, or not fully vaccinated, travellers.

They are required to stay in ASQ hotels for 10 nights. When they pass the second Covid-19 test they are able to travel to other places in Thailand.

(A link to further details below)

Getting the Thailand Pass
All international travellers must apply for a Thailand Pass which will be formally introduced on November 1 at 9am (Thai time).

This replaces the Certificate of Entry.

Here’s the website for the Thailand Pass.


Here you can upload required documents including a vaccination certificate and medical insurance with minimum coverage of US$50,000.

It will take 1-7 days for approval of the traveller’s Thailand Pass. Once approved, a QR code is generated which the traveller can use as they enter Thailand.

Note that the approval process will be faster if the traveller’s vaccine certification is in a digital format.

So, if you want to enter Thailand in the first 7 days of November you’ll probably need an existing CoE.

Arrival in Thailand

International travellers can enter Thailand through 6 international airports… Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui and U-Tapao airport in Rayong. Buri Ram airport will also be an option, but only for charter flights.

Travellers need to present a negative RT-PCR test result issued within 72 hours before travelling, and their Thailand Pass QR code as they pass through health screening and immigration.

They must download the Mor Chana application on their phones. The app will require them to evaluate their health condition daily while in Thailand.

From the airport to their approved ASQ or SHA+ hotel, they must travel in SHA+ vehicles, not in a normal taxi. Your hotels will organise this for you.

The approved hotel will provide the RT-PCR test, in conjunction with a local hospital.

There will be price ceilings set for RT-PCR to avoid any price gouging.

Fully vaccinated local or foreign residents can’t quarantine in their homes for the first night after they arrive in Thailand. They must stay in an approved SHA+ hotel until they receive a negative test result.

If the result is positive, they will be sent to a hospital or an ASQ hotel, at their expense (check the fine print on your Covid insurance).

Travelling with children
Children under 12 years of age, travelling with their parents, aren’t required to have a vaccine certificate.

For children older than 12, a vaccine certificate and medical insurance will be required.

Medical insurance
Only Thai nationals aren’t required to have medical insurance because any medical costs incurred by citizens will be covered under Thailand’ universal health care system.

The CCSA is working to extend that insurance exemption to foreign residents who already have medical and health insurance in Thailand. This may be announced before next Monday.

Foreign travellers need to ensure that their insurance policy does not only specify Covid-19 health coverage, but other general illnesses and hospital expenses.

Visitors from 46 countries
Fully vaccinated travellers from the 46 listed countries and territories are required to have stayed at least 21 days in one or more of THOSE countries before travelling to Thailand.

But fully vaccinated local and foreign residents can travel to to one of the 46 countries for a shorter period and then return. They are not required to stay a full 21 days in that country.

But that exemption doesn’t apply to local and foreign residents who visit countries that aren’t on the list of 46 eligible countries or territories.

Transit passengers
For transit passengers passing through countries that aren’t on the list 46 approved countries or territories, they can continue their trip to Thailand IF the transit period does’t exceed 12 hours and if they stay in the airport.

Source - The Thaiger

VISA AGENT  /  How to register for: THAI PASS

Thailand entry rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists

On Monday (Nov 1), Thailand will reopen to international foreign tourists for the first time in almost two years.

With the reopening just days away, the Thai government has provided a little more clarity on the entry process and requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated foreign tourists.

Anyone arriving in Thailand from November 1 will essentially be grouped into three categories:

1. Fully vaccinated arriving from a ‘low risk’ country

Anyone who is fully vaccinated and arriving from one of the 46 countries deemed to be low risk must stay one night in an SHA+ certified hotel or alternative quarantine hotel for one night while they await the result of a RT-PCR test.

If the test is negative, they are free to travel anywhere in Thailand without restrictions. Thailand is calling this process ‘Test & Go’.

 2. Fully vaccinated from a non low risk country

People who are fully vaccinated but arrive from a country not listed among the 46 low risk countries are required to stay at an SHA+ hotel in a Blue Zone ‘sandbox’ area for seven nights.

If they test negative on day 6 or 7 of their stay, they are free to travel elsewhere in Thailand.

All of Thailand’s main tourist destinations are ‘sandbox’ areas, such as Bangkok and Phuket. However, some provinces are only opening certain districts to tourists.

For example, in Chonburi, tourists are only allowed to visit Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Sri Racha, Ko Si Chang and Bang Saray. In Prachuap Khiri Khan, tourists from non low risk countries can visit Hua Hin and Nong Khae districts.

Thailand is calling this process ‘Living in the Blue Zone’.

 3. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated

Regardless of which country they are travelling from, anyone who is unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated are required to stay in an alternative quarantine hotel for 10 nights. If they test negative on day 9 or 10 of their stay they can travel to other areas of Thailand.

Before departure to Thailand

Before departing for Thailand, foreign tourists need to make sure they have the required documentation listed below and have applied for a Thailand Pass, which replaces the Certificate of Entry needed previously to enter Thailand.

 The required documents are:

- A Certificate of Vaccination (fully vaccinated) with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling.

- Those previously infected within 3 months must have received 1 dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling.

- Travellers under 12 years of age, travelling with parents or guardians, are exempt from the vaccination requirement.

- A Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before  travelling (all travellers).

- A confirmed payment for a 1-night stay at SHA+, AQ, OQ, or AHQ accommodation, and 1 RT-PCR test.

- An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$50,000.


How to register for Thailand Pass:

Source - Asian Now

 

 VISA AGENT  /  How to register for: THAI PASS

94% of Thais still concerned about country reopening

Some 94 per cent of Thais are still concerned about the Covid-19 situation once the country reopens from November 1, according to a survey conducted by the Department of Health from October 14 to 20.
The survey showed only 28 per cent are confident in disease control measures and the prevention of further infections.

Meanwhile, 72 per cent said the measures should be increased or intensified to ensure health safety.

This includes accelerating vaccinations for everyone across the country to meet the criteria of covering 70 per cent of the population in each province.

Some 60 per cent of the respondents said they would like to see tighter controls on illegal entry along the border, and 55 per cent said they would favour strict monitoring and compliance with Covid-19 preventive measures at workplaces and for the general public.

There was no mention of how many people took part in the survey.

Source - The Nation / BangkokJack

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Nov 1st: Quarantine free countries named - one night must be in SHA+ or AQ hotel - curfew lifted, bars stay shut

The prime minister has ordered an end to the curfew in 17 provinces, including Bangkok, from Oct 31 to support the reopening of the country to fully vaccinated foreign tourists on Nov 1.

The order, signed by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, was published in the Royal Gazette late on Thursday night.

It said the Covid-19 situation in the country was improving with stable new caseloads and faster patient recovery, and it was necessary to revive the national economy.

The curfew will therefore end at 11pm on Oct 31 in the "Sandbox" provinces that were declared maximum and strict control zones but have tourism significance and are designated for reopening.

From Oct 16, the curfew has been from 11pm to 3am in maximum and strict control  provinces.

The 17 provinces where the curfew will end are:

- Bangkok

- Krabi

- Chon Buri (only in Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Koh Si Chang and tambon Na Jomtien and tambon Bang Sare of Sattahip district)

- Chiang Mai (in Muang, Doi Tao, Mae Rim and Mae Taeng districts)

- Trat (on Koh Chang only)

- Buri Ram (in Muang district only)

- Prachuap Khiri Khan (in tambon Hua Hin and tambon Nong Kae only)

- Phangnga

- Phetchaburi (in Cha-am municipality only)

- Phuket

- Ranong (on Koh Phayam only)

- Rayong (on Koh Samet only)

- Loei (in Chiang Khan district only)

- Samut Prakan (only at Suvarnabhumi airport)

- Surat Thani (on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and on Koh Tao only)

- Nong Khai (in Muang, Sangkhom, Sri Chiang Mai and Tha Bo districts)

- Udon Thani (in Muang, Ban Dung, Kumphawapi, Na Yoong, Nong Han and Prachak Silapakhom districts)

The number of people at public gatherings in the tourist reopening zones will be capped at 500.

Entertainment venues in the tourism reopening provinces will remain closed, including pubs, bars and karaoke shops, but operators and officials could begin preparing for their reopening, which would be permitted later.

Source - Bangkok Post

VISA AGENT

Thailand to launch ‘Digital Health Pass’

The Public Health Ministry has announced that people will be able to use the “Digital Health Pass”, which is built into the “MorPhrom” app, as a vaccine passport once the country reopens.
Permanent-secretary Kiatiphum Wongrajit said on Monday that the app will provide three key pieces of Covid-related information, namely;

Vaccination history: Vaccination units nationwide will upload information and the app of double-jabbed users will display the word “vaccinated”.

Test results: Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and other organisations registered with “MorPhrom” will upload the results of RT-PCR and ATK tests.

Infection history: Doctors will upload information of patients who have recovered from Covid-19.

Kiatiphum added that the application will display users’ basic information, but those requiring more details can scan the QR Code.

The new version will have an improved security system, with the user’s private information hidden behind a toggle. Blockchain technology will be employed in this case.

The digital pass was previously used for domestic flights. – The Nation

Source - BangkokJack

Our VISA AGENT

CCSA operations director say detailed announcements on Thailand’s reopening plan to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine will come this week

A clear and actual plan for Thailand’s reopening to welcome fully vaccinated foreigners will be discussed and finalized within 1-2 days, the director of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration’s (CCSA) operations center stated today, October 18th.

General Supot Malaniyom from the CCSA’s operations center revealed today to the press that the details of the plan to open the country to fully vaccinated tourists without mandatory quarantine, according to the Prime Minister’s policy, will be announced at a major CCSA meeting within 1-2 days from today, October 18th, 2021.

Additionally, details on what should be prioritized and considered in terms of how and if the plan will be able to be implemented next month will be available this week and will not be “held off until the last moment”, according to the director. This statement appeared to be directed at many people commenting on social media who had been afraid that any “official” announcements about the plan would be held off until possibly the last several days of October, like the Phuket Sandbox previously, leaving people with little time to plan potential trips in November.

Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/18/ccsa-operations-director-say-detailed-announcements-on-thailands-reopening-plan-to-vaccinated-foreign-tourists-without-quarantine-will-come-this-week/

Source - ASIAN NOW

VISA AGENT

So long, farewell to Thailand’s Certificate of Entry – November 1

But what will replace it?

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced an update to procedures for arrival in the Kingdom, post November 1.

The Ministry says that the unpopular Certificate of Entry, currently required for all international visitors, is set to be replaced by a new system they’re calling the Thailand Pass system. It is set to start on November 1… we’ll keep you up to date with this news on tomorrow’s Good Morning Thailand.

More updates are expected this afternoon as the CCSA meets to discuss re-opening plans, reduction of paperwork, reduction of curfew in the country’s Dark Red Zones and the removal of quarantine requirements for travelers from some countries.

All the latest news about November 1 changes from The Thaiger as the afternoon progresses.

Source - The Thaiger

Our VISA AGENT

PM can't wait any longer: 27 countries could be granted no quarantine access to Thailand

Daily News reported that nationals of up to 27 countries could be allowed to enter Thailand without having to quarantine.

ASEAN NOW has also been told that 20 countries could be on the list.

PM Prayuth Chan-ocha said Monday that the CCSA was expected to confirm 10 countries including the US, UK, Germany, Singapore and China were on the list to be announced today.

But now the Thai media is saying this could be wider than expected come November 1st. A second stage is January 1st.

They reported that the PM no longer wants to wait for virus numbers in Thailand top come down or for enough people in the country to be vaccinated.

Three stipulations for visitors will be having had two jabs of vaccine, RT-PCR tests before and after arrival and it only applies to air passengers (no road or sea passengers included).

The list is made up by analysing data and information from the last two weeks of Covid-19 stats, International Health Regulations 2005 and the GCI Global Advisory Council or Global Covid-19 Index.

Twenty seven countries satisfy these criteria:

Andorra, Australia, Bahrain, Czech Republic, Dominica, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malta, Moldova, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Uruguay, Barbados, China and Croatia.

Germany qualifies as a medium risk country because of the number of vaccinations done there.

The UK and the US are high risk but also qualify because of the number of vaccinations done in those nations.

At a meeting held in Hua Hin yesterday about that resort's reopening ASEAN NOW was told that 20 countries would be on the non-quarantine list.

Source - ASIAN NOW

Our - VISA AGENT

PM sets Nov 1 for reopening to foreign tourists from low-risk countries

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Monday that he will push for the opening up of the country to fully vaccinated foreign tourists from at least 10 countries on Nov 1, as the government earlier planned.

Gen Prayut said in a nationally televised broadcast that fully vaccinated tourists from at least 10 low-risk countries would be allowed to enter Thailand by air with no quarantine requirements.

The prime minister named the United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany, China and the United States among the first group of countries to benefit from the move.

"I have instructed the CCSA and the Ministry of Public Health to urgently consider within this week to allow, as of Nov 1, international visitors to enter Thailand without any requirement for quarantine if they are fully vaccinated and arrive by air from low-risk countries," he said.

He pledged to open the gates for more countries by Dec 1 and targeted others by Jan 1.

Tourists from countries not on the low-risk list would be allowed but they would be required to quarantine, he added.

The announcement came after other countries including Singapore and Australia eased travel restrictions for their citizens to travel overseas.

Gen Prayut hoped the decision to open up the country next month would draw foreign tourists to Thailand over the next three months, including the forthcoming year-end holidays.

They would revitalise the sector and related businesses that involved millions of people in the country, he went on.

The government had earlier planned to open only Bangkok and several provinces for foreign tourists on Nov 1. The other provinces are Chon Buri (Pattaya city, Bang Lamung district, and Sattahip district), Phetchaburi (Cha-am district), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin district) and Chiang Mai (Muang, Mae Taeng, Mae Rim and Doi Tao districts).

Monday's announcement indicated that the reopening would cover all parts of the country.

The announcement came after the country saw the number of fatalities drop below 100 in recent days, with new cases hovering around 10,000.

Although the situation was improving in most parts of Thailand, a surge of new infections continued in Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala. The southern border provinces were in the spotlight of health authorities who were mulling additional measures to clamp down on the spike in the areas.

Tourism was the main sector driving the economy before the pandemic floored the industry last year. The sector accounted for about 20% of gross domestic product if both local tourists and foreign arrivals were counted. Revenue from foreign tourists alone was about 15% of GDP, as the country welcomed almost 40 million travellers from abroad, especially Chinese.

The Bank of Thailand estimated only 200,000 foreign arrivals this year with the number jumping to 6 million next year.

Restrictions eased for alcohol sales

The prime minister said the government will allow restaurants and other places to sell alcohol by Dec 1 to promote tourism and the entertainment sector as people plan to celebrate the new year.

"By Dec 1, we will also consider allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages in restaurants as well as the operation of entertainment venues under appropriate health precautions to support the revitalisation of the tourism and leisure sectors, especially the new year period," he said.

Source - BangkokPost

Our - VISA AGENT

Thailand Nov 1 reopening to go ahead providing COVID-19 situation remains stable

The proposed reopening of Bangkok and other major tourist destinations in Thailand will go ahead on November 1, providing the COVID-19 situation does not worsen.

Speaking on Saturday (Oct 10) government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the reopening of Bangkok, Chiang Mai (Mueang district, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng and Doi Tao), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin and Nong Khae), Phetchaburi (Cha Am) and Chonburi (Pattaya, Bang Lamung and Sattahip) will go ahead as long as there is not a sudden spike in cases or no large clusters are discovered between now and the end of October.

Following the reopening, the government expects to earn 1.5 trillion baht from tourism in 2022, Mr Thanakorn said.

Domestic tourists will account for 850 million baht with Thais expected to make 160 million trips next year.

Meanwhile, the government expects 15 million foreign tourists to visit Thailand in 2022, generating 650 billion baht in revenue.

Mr Thanakorn said the 1.5 trillion baht revenue target is approximately half the amount the country's tourism industry earned in 2019 before the start of the pandemic.

Mr Thanakorn also gave an update on the Phuket Sandbox, which has been hailed a success.

As of Thursday (Oct 7) 43,026 foreign tourists had visited Phuket via the Sandbox program.

Most tourists came from the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, Germany and France.

Source - ASIAN NOW

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