Minister for Sports and Tourism, Pipat Ratchakitprakan, has announced that Thailand’s tourism is close until the second quarter of next year.
This means that other tourist visas, such as e-Visa and visa-on-arrival, apart from the new TR and STV visa will still be on hold for now. This move thwarted the hopes of a turnaround in the tourism industry for the 2020/2021 high season.
“The country will continue opening to businessmen, technical experts, high-level workers and those in the medical field for now. 14-day quarantine will continue for now with many countries still in the grip of the pandemic,” Pipat said.
Currently, Thailand’s borders are open and tourists can gain access in the country through the new TR and STV visas. However, some travellers are turned off by the rigorous application process and requirements.
The Thai Hotel Association and The Thailand Travel Agents Association have been urging the Thai government to drop or shorten the mandatory quarantine for all incoming travellers also to create travel corridors with neighbours and other “low risk” country, including Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan.
Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is still urging caution to prevent another COVID-19 outbreak.
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