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Published on : Saturday, September 19, 2020
By October 2020, the Tourism Ministry of Thailand has promised to bring the first batch of foreign tourists with Bangkok as the main destination. The ministry wants tourism operators to fully prepared in regards to marketing plans.
To quote Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, “Tour operators can start promoting long-stay packages via the special tourist visa (STV) to potential customers now, while tourists can contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s overseas office for more information about travel plans using the services of tour operators or Thailand Longstay Company.”
For tourists, the most significant thing is to produce all the needed documents regarding their itinerary to Thai consular officials. These includes payment for alternative state quarantine (ASQ) or alternative local state quarantine (ALSQ) facility, post-quarantine accommodation, booking info related to chartered flights or private jet, Covid-free certificate, and travel and health insurance.
After receiving the approval from the Foreign Ministry in regards to all documents, it will issue a certificate of eligibility (COE) and STV to tourists that would allow them to continue with their travel plans.
“If the visa process can be completed in time, tourists can visit the country by Oct 1 via chartered flight or private jet,” Mr Phiphat said. The 14-day quarantine will be done in Bangkok as the city provides sufficient ASQ facilities that have proved successful in tackling foreigners. International flights will be limited to three flights a week in the first stage of reopening, with 100 tourists per flight or 1,200 tourists per month, as per the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration.
During the first month of reopening, the number of tourists might reach full capacity, as numerous travelers have showed their keenness to re-enter Thailand, Mr Phiphat said. “If operations in the first month run smoothly without triggering another outbreak, we aim to increase carrying capacity in the next phase,” he said.
In regards to domestic tourism, there are chances of extending the timeline of two stimulus campaigns and privileges. On Oct, the ministry will submit those details to the cabinet.
Tags: thai tourism