Thailand to Reopen Borders for Tourists

Thailand’s cabinet on Tuesday, September 15 agreed to allow in foreign tourists who agree to 14-day quarantine and stay for at least 90 days.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said after the cabinet meeting that the government would issue special tourist visas for long-stay visitors. The most important condition would be a 14-day quarantine.

The long-stay visitors would have to present proof of payment for their long stay in the country. This could be payment for a hotel reservation, or the lease of a condominium room.

Deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisaranakul said “The target is to welcome 100-300 visitors a week, or up to 1,200 people a month, and generate income of about 1 billion baht a month,” according to Bangkok Post.

The 90-day special tourist visa could be extended twice, for 90 days each time.

Long-stay visitors could begin arriving next month, Ms Traisulee said.

The special tourist visa will cost 2,000 baht.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports stated that Thailand has been able to effectively handle the COVID-19 situation, and that it is recognized as one of the safe destinations in the world. Many groups of foreigners with high purchasing power intend to stay for a long period of time in Thailand with their families.

The Government will begin to open up for long-stay tourists in the areas where the spread of COVID-19 is prevented and controlled.

The Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Defense have approved 60 hotels to be part of the quarantine process in Thailand for travelers who enter the country and would like to stay someplace with a good atmosphere at their own expense.

According to the Government’s COVID-19 prevention plan, the mandatory quarantine must be two weeks, and these hotels will provide facilities and a safe environment for both Thais and international visitors.

The approved 60 hotels are below: