Thailand reopens starting April
Heads up! Thailand has announced further details on the country’s reopening.
The Centre for Economic Situation Administration, which has the Thai Prime Minister as one of its chairs, has given the green light to the ‘Roadmap’ plan that includes more than a shortened quarantine period for vaccinated foreigners starting this April.
More news about traveling in Thailand:
- Koh Samui plans to reopen
- Phuket opens for tourism on 1st July
- Nok Air plans to open international flight routes
The ‘Roadmap’ plan
Last week, the Centre for Economic Situation Administration has given approval to the ‘Roadmap’ plan, which was proposed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The plan will include a total of four stages.
The first stage, starting this April to June, will allow foreigners who have received two doses of Covid-19 vaccine to enter Thailand under a 7-day quarantine at state approved facilities in destinations as follows: Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Samui, Pattaya and Chiangmai.
Big Buddha in Phuket
Image credit: GMlifestyle
Beginning in July, the second stage will allow international tourists under the same terms to travel to Phuket without having to undergo a quarantine. However, the visitors will still be required to stay on the island up to seven days before they can get to other places in Thailand.
From October to December, the no-quarantine policy will then be extended to other tourist hotspots namely Krabi, Phang Nga, Samui, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Tourists, however, will have to use an application that keeps track of their location.
In order for the second stage to happen, Thailand has already started the preparation by working towards the goal of having 70% of Phuket locals vaccinated before 1st July 2021.
Image credit: Vietnam Government Portal
The next step will be for 70% of the whole population to receive vaccination in order for the last stage to happen, which is the full reopening of the country in January 2022.
Although preparations are already on the move, further discussions still have to be made with the cabinet as well as the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration to solidify the plan.
Travel to Thailand before you know it
Nothing can stop time from flying, even Covid-19. So, buckle up because Thailand will have its arms fully opened really soon now before you know it.
Ideas for island hopping below:
- You can swim with piglets in Koh Matsum
- Islands and beaches near Thailand
- Lesser-known island paradises in Thailand
- Things to do in Koh Kret
- An island village in Thailand
Cover images adapted from: GMlifestyle (Left), @andrewdemello (Centre), @babebass (Right)
Enjoying The Smart Local Thailand? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this.