However, a spike in cases in December following an outbreak at a shrimp market in Samut Sakhon, a province southwest of Bangkok, led the government to reintroduce various measures aimed at containing the virus. Daily News Update Thailand reported 405 new COVID-19 infections on Thursday, in an outbreak that has reached 20 provinces and forced nearly a third of cabinet … Airline operators in Thailand are calling for 40,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to cover staff and crew members before July, in time for the reopening... Tourism 1 week ago Tourism operators pinning hopes on Songkran holiday The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website; Other Useful Information: COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov; Thailand Information and Travel Advisory page from travel.state.gov. While Thailand has been successful in stemming the tide of COVID-19 infections over the last three months, the economic impact has been severe. Thailand to shorten Covid-19 quarantine for visitors to revive tourism A shorter quarantine is expected to make Thailand more attractive to millions of foreign tourists. Golden beaches with swaying palms. Chief among them was Chiang Mai in the north, one of the country’s most popular destinations until the coronavirus pandemic crippled the tourism industry. A PCR test must be taken on arrival, after which all travelers must quarantine at government-approved quarantine facilities or Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facilities. Thailand closed its borders to international tourism in April 2020. Thousands were due to set to travel throughout the country for the Songkran (Thai new year) holiday from April 13-15, though multiple provinces have announced quarantine measures for those visiting from Bangkok and other areas with high numbers of Covid cases. In Bangkok, masks are worn at all times in public, both indoors and out, while temperature checks are the norm. However, travelers from countries with Covid-19 variants are still required to undergo the quarantine period of 14 days (15 nights). The tourism sector, which makes up close to 15 percent of Thailand’s GDP, has been hit hard, with a near cessation of international tourist … After months of strict travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand is gearing up for a return to normalcy by easing some travel restrictions and quarantine requirements and allowing normal tourists to enter the country. PHOTO: AFP Thailand's borders are still closed for all foreign nationals with few exceptions. It is unclear what the tourism industry would look like after COVID-19 : travellers will re-venture cautiously with the concept of social distancing in mind. Areas within driving distance of Bangkok have been able to benefit from domestic tourists, but other normally popular destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui haven’t been as fortunate. A full list of participating hotels and resorts, along with package rates, can be found here: asq.locanation.com. Visitors to these destinations will find empty beaches and heavily discounted accommodation options. Read more about it here. A health worker administers a dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to a Buddhist monk at Nak Prok Temple in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 9, 2021. However, a spike in cases in December following an outbreak at a shrimp market in Samut Sakhon, a province southwest of Bangkok, led the government to reintroduce various measures aimed at containing the virus. Holders of US, Canada, UK and Australia passports are among those not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 45 days on each visit. On April 1, Thailand reduced its mandatory quarantine-on-arrival period from 14 days (15 nights) to 10 days (11 nights). The lockdown measures to contain the COVID-19 spread have taken a heavy toll on the Southeast Asian country's economy. Among these is the seaside town of Hua Hin. Health officials caution that travel increases your chances of getting and spreading the virus. Prior to Covid-19, Bangkok was the world’s top tourist destination among cities. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on April 9. Severe Weather Upon arrival in Thailand they will have to show a QR code that will be scanned by the Thai authorities upon arrival. The new Covid-19 wave has dampened the travel plans of people across the country during Songkran, dealing a setback to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)'s targets. If you are visiting Thailand, please visit the WHO Thailand website for the latest information on the COVID-19 situation in Thailand. Tourists from countries not on the visa exemption list can apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV) . Thailand has long been the go-to destination for those after a no-nonsense, easy-on-the-eye tropical break. This can include luxury hotels, some of which have developed quarantine packages. That outbreak had been contained and restrictions were eased in most areas, allowing most businesses to operate normally. All entertainment places in 41 provinces, including Bangkok, have been ordered to close for at least two weeks. Reconsider travel to Thailand due to COVID-19. However, they are still required to obtain the Certificate of Entry and quarantine upon arrival. Theme parks, museums and fitness centers also remain open. Meanwhile, the STV, introduced in October 2020, allows for 90-day stays, and can be renewed twice. Coronavirus travel health. All travelers who have received a Certificate of Entry are required to download the ThailandPlus Application and register. Holders of US, Canada, UK and Australia passports are among those, Tourists from countries not on the visa exemption list can apply for a, All travelers who have received a Certificate of Entry are required to download the. Hygiene measures offer a clean break for visitors Read the entire Travel Advisory. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Thailand due to COVID-19. Thailand has long been the go-to destination for those after a no-nonsense, easy-on-the-eye tropical break. Theme parks, museums and fitness centers also remain open. CDC page on COVID-19; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Recommendations by Country. Staying home is the best way to stem transmission. Thailand endorses specific Covid-19 vaccines for foreign tourists. Picture-perfect islands. Thailand has introduced a 'golf quarantine' program to boost its ailing tourism sector during the pandemic. Most travelers who have backpacked through Asia have spent at least a few days on Bangkok’s Khao San Road. You must apply for an STV via the Thai consulate or embassy in your own country. Areas within driving distance of Bangkok have been able to benefit from domestic tourists, but other normally popular destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui haven't been as fortunate. Most beaches and national parks are open, though some have imposed restrictions. Travel bans, restrictions and requirements vary greatly, they can change quickly and are determined by national governments, not by the World Health Organization. All official Songkran festivities in Bangkok have been canceled. Impact of COVID-19 in Thailand While Thailand is a success story when it comes to battling the virus, its economy has greatly suffered due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, resort towns within driving distance of Bangkok are taking advantage of locals’ urge to travel. Clusters of infections were found amongst people who had visited several Bangkok nightclubs, leading the government to shut down entertainment venues in multiple provinces. In Bangkok, masks are worn at all times in public, both indoors and out, while temperature checks are the norm. Travelers entering under the “Tourist visa exemption scheme” can stay for up to 45 days. Thai Embassy, Certificate of Entry details. Ornate temples and lush forests. This can include luxury hotels, some of which have developed quarantine packages. All travelers must provide proof of an insurance policy that covers treatment for Covid-19 up to the cost of $100,000 and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Thailand's tourism industry, once considered very robust, is now struggling because of coronavirus. Join us on a 12-month journey to see them all, Thai Embassy, Certificate of Entry details, Phuket's first and only Michelin-starred restaurant, how resorts there have adapted to the pandemic. That outbreak had been contained and restrictions were eased in most areas, allowing most businesses to operate normally. Weather Forecast If you’re planning to travel to Thailand, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic. A PCR test must be taken on arrival, after which all travelers must quarantine at government-approved quarantine facilities or Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facilities. Thailand has recorded 95 deaths and over 30,000 cases of Covid-19 as of April 9. Having initially been offered to travelers from low-risk countries, it is now available to travelers from all countries worldwide. Here’s a look at how resorts there have adapted to the pandemic. In Phuket, many shops, restaurants and hotels in the southern beaches of Patong, Kata and Karon have closed due to the lack of tourists. An earlier requirement for a “fit-to-fly” health certificate has been lifted as of April 1. Deserted beaches, empty bars: Covid-19 devastates Thailand's tourist islands. Meanwhile, the STV, introduced in October 2020, allows for 90-day stays, and can be renewed twice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Thailand due to COVID-19. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. Here's a look at, Joe Minihane, Julia Buckley and Karla Cripps contributed to this report, There's a perfect beach for every week of the year. Editor's Note — Coronavirus cases remain high across the globe. Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Thailand on the TravelHealthPro website. However, travelers from countries with, The Tourism Authority of Thailand announced that Phuket will be the first destination in Thailand to reopen to. Thailand's borders are still closed for all foreign nationals with few exceptions. Having initially been offered to travelers from low-risk countries, it is now available to travelers from all countries worldwide. On April 1, Thailand reduced its mandatory quarantine-on-arrival period from 14 days (15 nights) to 10 days (11 nights). Coronavirus: How long can Thailand survive without foreign tourism? Thailand has introduced a ‘golf quarantine’ program to boost its ailing tourism sector during the pandemic. Among these is the seaside town of Hua Hin. Since the start of the pandemic, the CCSA has reported a total of 28,868 coronavirus infections and 94 deaths. (Sakchai Lalit / … Clusters of infections were found amongst people who had visited several Bangkok nightclubs, leading the government to shut down entertainment venues in multiple provinces. However, the country is now attempting to stem a possible third wave of the virus as case numbers rise throughout the country. Read more about it, Phuket is one of the world's best known beach resorts, and is also home to one of the, Meanwhile, resort towns within driving distance of Bangkok are taking advantage of locals' urge to travel. Be sure to check out Pru, Phuket’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant. You must apply for an STV via the Thai consulate or embassy in your own country. Most beaches and national parks are open, though some have imposed restrictions. Contests & Promotions, One person seriously injured in Highway 246 crash east of Buellton, Man arrested after barricading inside apartment near Santa Barbara’s West Beach, Los Angeles woman suspected of killing her 3 young children, police say, One person injured after car crashes into San Luis Obispo 9/11 memorial, Phuket’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant, how resorts there have adapted to the pandemic, Incident at Iran’s Natanz facility a ‘terrorist action,’ nuclear chief says, Standoff at Honolulu hotel ends as armed man kills himself, police say, UN is ‘very concerned’ about Princess Latifa’s situation and still waiting for ‘proof of life’, The time has come to start training the pets for your return to work. In order to attract a larger number of international travellers, Thailand has eased more rules, starting from 21 October. Thailand, one of the few countries known for successfully managing the Covid pandemic, cautiously reopened its borders in October 2020 and is further relaxing restrictions starting in April 2021. (CNN) — If you're planning to travel to Thailand, here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic. 42 new Covid-19 cases were reported today in the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration’s daily briefing. Phuket is one of the world’s best known beach resorts, and is also home to one of the world’s best beaches for plane-spotting. A full list of participating hotels and resorts, along with package rates, can be found here: For months, Thailand reported few locally transmitted Covid-19 cases thanks to strict quarantine on arrival rules. Ornate temples and lush forests. For months, Thailand reported few locally transmitted Covid-19 cases thanks to strict quarantine on arrival rules. Picture-perfect islands. READ: Thailand confirms COVID-19 outbreak in nightspots, prison READ: Phuket in mass COVID-19 vaccination drive ahead of tourism reopening The government response to … Here’s All About COVID Vaccine, Latest Tourist Guidelines And More According to the reports, Thailand will ease travel restrictions for international visitors this summer. We take a closer look at how the busy thoroughfare evolved from a rice market into the world’s most famous travel hub. Visitor numbers expected to plummet by tens of millions in crisis … All travelers must provide proof of an insurance policy that covers treatment for Covid-19 up to the cost of $100,000 and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. READ: Thailand urges calm after death of COVID-19 vaccine recipient Thailand's tourism tsar announced Friday that Phuket - renowned for its sandy beaches and sapphire waters - … Read the entire Travel Advisory. If you’re planning to travel to Thailand, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic. The figure on the first day of the peak travel period from April 9-18 was released by the state-owned Transport Company, which said it had laid on enough buses to carry 100,000 people. In Phuket, many shops, restaurants and hotels in the southern beaches of Patong, Kata and Karon have closed due to the lack of tourists. However, the country is now attempting to stem a possible third wave of the virus as case numbers rise throughout the country. The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has said that tourism-dependent areas like Phuket and Pattaya will be top priority for the upcoming vaccination process. Restaurants remain open for business. An earlier requirement for a "fit-to-fly" health certificate has been lifted as of April 1. Health and safety to come first for tourism in Thailand when travel resumes after Covid-19. Thailand’s iconic tuk-tuk in the deserted streets of Bangkok. Planning to head there? Breaking News A COVID-19 variant is exploding across Thailand, shutting down entertainment venues and causing massive hotel cancellations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand announced that Phuket will be the first destination in Thailand to reopen to vaccinated foreign visitors without quarantine requirements from July 1. Thousands were due to set to travel throughout the country for the Songkran (Thai new year) holiday from April 13-15, though multiple provinces have announced quarantine measures for those visiting from Bangkok and other areas with high numbers of Covid cases.