Thailand is set to reopen five more destinations to fully vaccinated foreign tourists starting from October 1, 2021. The Royal Thai Government has revealed plans to include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan in the second phase of its reopening strategy.
Government Spokesperson, Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, stated that these plans align with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s phased approach to reopening the country. The initial phase already saw Phuket welcoming tourists, followed by Surat Thani, Krabi, and Phang-Nga over the past couple of months.
In October, the reopening will coincide with new ‘universal prevention’ guidelines against COVID-19. This means Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan are prepping by ramping up local vaccinations and organizing tourism campaigns, such as Bangkok Sandbox, Hua Hin Recharge, and Charming Chiang Mai.
Starting mid-October, 21 more destinations across Thailand will be open to tourists. Some of these include Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phrae, and Sukhothai in the North; Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani in the Northeast; Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi in the West; Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Trat in the East; Ayutthaya in the Central Region, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Satun, Songkhla, and Trang in the South.
Looking ahead to January 2022, Thailand will enter the fourth phase of its reopening, which involves opening 13 border provinces through ‘travel bubbles’ with neighboring countries. Overall, the four phases will reopen 43 provinces throughout Thailand.
Mr. Thanakorn also highlighted the success of the Phuket Sandbox program over the past two months, which brought in 1,634 million Baht in tourism revenue, with visitors spending an average of 61,894 Baht on their vacations.
In addition, the Thai government is planning to promote domestic tourism with two stimulus campaigns: Rao Thiao Duai Kan (We Travel Together) and Tour Thiao Thai. Registration for these programs is expected to open this month, targeting travel periods starting in October, the beginning of Thailand’s high season.
The third-phase extension of the ‘We Travel Together’ campaign will cover 40% of hotel room rates or airfares and offer a daily e-voucher worth 600 Baht. Meanwhile, the Tour Thiao Thai stimulus will subsidize 40% of payment for packaged tours, with a maximum of 5,000 Baht per person.